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High Blood Pressure in Diabetics.

Having diabetes puts a person at risk of a number of health conditions that involve vital organs and Blood Pressure

systems.

A commonly reported condition associated with diabetes in adults is high blood pressure. The American Diabetes Association reports that as many as 75 percent of adults with diabetes has high blood pressure.

This staggering statistic has implemented changes in the recommendations for treating hypertension in diabetics.

The National Institutes for Health has reduced the target blood pressure level to below 130/80 mmHg.

Properly treating and monitoring high blood pressure will reduce the risk of additional diabetes complications, heat attack, stroke, kidney disease, and eye conditions.

Blood pressure is measured by the volume of blood pumped by the heart and the amount of force the blood flow puts on the artery walls.

A simple blood pressure reading will determine the systolic pressure, the first number of a blood pressure reading, and the diastolic pressure, the second number of a blood pressure reading.

The systolic pressure is the force of blood through the arteries as the heart beats. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in relaxed arteries between heartbeats. high blood pressure

High blood pressure occurs when the blood flow causes excessive force on the walls of the blood vessels.

The greater the pressure the harder the heart works to move blood through the body.

A diabetic is at a higher risk for developing hypertension because diabetes predisposes a person to atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries, and other cardiovascular diseases.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms.

High blood pressure generally has no warning signs or symptoms.

A diabetic may experience dizziness, headache, or nosebleeds; however, these are rarely reported and can develop once blood pressure reaches a dangerously high level. Screening for hypertension is routinely performed during regular doctor visits.

Blood Pressure Symptoms A healthcare provider will likely monitor a diabetic closely due to the high risk of developing this condition.

If high blood pressure is detected, a doctor will implement a treatment program that will work with the current diabetes treatment plan.

Effectively treating blood pressure is as critical as maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Initially lifestyle changes will be recommended to reduce blood pressure and its associated complications.

Significant improvements in blood pressure readings can be gained by following a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and increasing physical activity.

Blood Pressure and Diet

Dietary changes should include increasing fiber and nutrient filled vegetables, fruits, and whole grain servings.

Whole milk and dairy products should be exchanged for low-fat or fat-free options. Include lean protein choices such as chicken, fish, and lean cuts of beef or pork.

When cooking, it is important to prepare food using low-fat methods such as grilling, broiling, baking, or roasting. Reduce sodium intake by seasoning foods with flavorful, naturally antioxidant rich herbs and spices.

These changes in the diet will not only help reduce high blood pressure, but will also help stabilize blood glucose.

Maintaining a healthy weight is a goal for both a diabetic and a person with hypertension. Inject regular exercise into lifestyle changes and reduce calorie and fat intake at meals to help achieve weight loss goals. Blood Pressure Diet

Lastly, a diabetic should avoid alcohol consumption and smoking, both of these habits can increase the risk factors associated with high blood pressure and diabetes.

In some cases, healthy lifestyle changes are not enough to reduce hypertension; when this occurs a doctor will prescribe one or a combination of blood pressure medications. The course of treatment will depend on an individual’s current health condition, age, weight, and other factors.

There are five principal categories of blood pressure medications.

ACE inhibitors work by blocking the hormone angiotensin from being produced. This hormone causes the narrowing of blood vessels and increases the force it takes to move blood through the body. An ACE inhibitor lowers this force by relaxing blood vessels. This medication also protects the kidneys and reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack.
ARBs work in the same manner as ACE inhibitors by relaxing and widening the blood vessels to lower blood pressure. They also protect the kidneys from damage.
Beta blockers function by reducing the force the heart exerts to pump blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is reduced by relaxing the heart and allowing it to beat slower. The risk of heart attack and stroke is reduced by taking beta blockers.
Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the heart and blood vessels.
Diuretics, also referred to as water pills, reduce excessive water and salt build up in the body by flushing it out with urination.

It is vital for a diabetic to maintain blood pressure readings below 130/80 mmHg. High blood pressure control will reduce life threatening complications.

Diabetes Diet Lifestyle changes and a medication regimen, if needed, will decrease the excessive pressure on the artery walls that can lead to heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, heart disease or failure, kidney disease, and serious eye conditions.

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**Important Disclaimer: THIS WEBSITE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. SPEAK WITH A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE proceeding with any medical treatment.