Do you have diabetes? If so, you must have seen your doctor regularly checking your blood pressure. 'Why do they also measure your blood pressure when you take medicine for sugar?' You may be wondering. In fact, diabetes and high blood pressure (`(Hypertension)`) are like two sides of the same coin. If you understand the relationship between the two, you can avoid a lot of major health problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Why is there such a strong connection between diabetes and blood pressure?
Simply put, diabetes is a condition that gradually damages the blood vessels (arteries) in our body. When blood sugar levels are high over time, the walls of our blood vessels begin to be damaged. They lose their elasticity and become a little thicker.
Imagine that when dirt builds up inside a water pipe, the water flow is reduced, and the pressure inside the pipe increases, right? That's what happens to our blood vessels. These damaged blood vessel walls are more likely to have fat and cholesterol deposits. In medicine, we call this ``Atherosclerosis.'' When the blood vessels narrow, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. This increases the pressure inside the blood vessels. That's what we call high blood pressure or "high blood pressure."
In this way, just as diabetes increases blood pressure, the complications of diabetes become more severe due to increased blood pressure. In particular, damage to the eyes (Diabetic Retinopathy) and damage to the kidneys (Diabetic Nephropathy) caused by diabetes can be made worse by high blood pressure.
What are the risks if these two are together?
A person with both diabetes and high blood pressure is five times more likely to develop certain diseases than the average person. Let's take a look at what those are.
| Risk/Complication | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Coronary Artery Disease | Narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. This can lead to a heart attack . |
| Stroke | A blood vessel that carries blood to the brain becomes blocked or bursts, causing damage to parts of the brain. |
| Peripheral Vascular Disease | Narrowing of the blood vessels, especially in the legs and feet, can cause pain in the legs when walking and slow healing of wounds. |
| Heart Failure | Due to the heart having to work too hard over time, the heart muscle becomes weak and unable to pump enough blood to the body. |
| Kidney Failure | Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the main causes of kidney damage. Over time, kidney function can be completely lost. |
Some people think that if the pressure is just a little high, it's okay. But even if it's between 120/80 and 129/80, it's still dangerous. That means your body is giving you a warning.
So what should my blood pressure be?
Although this may vary slightly from person to person, the general goal for someone with diabetes is to keep their blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg . Your doctor may adjust this goal based on your condition.
Now look, when you measure pressure, there are two values, right?
- The top number (Systolic pressure): This is the maximum pressure inside the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood into the arteries.
- Diastolic pressure: This is the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats.
Remember, to prevent complications of diabetes, it is extremely important to control blood sugar as well as blood pressure.
How do you know if your blood pressure is high? Are there any symptoms?
This is the most dangerous thing. High blood pressure often has no symptoms . That's why we call it the 'Silent Killer'. You can have dangerously high blood pressure without any symptoms. The only way to know is to have your blood pressure checked regularly . That's why your blood pressure is checked every time you see your doctor. Your doctor may also advise you to check your blood pressure at home.
Okay, so what can I do to control this?
The good news is that many of the things you do to control your diabetes will also help control your blood pressure. That means you can kill two birds with one stone.
| What to do | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Eat a healthy diet . | Eat more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Reduce foods high in oil, sugar, flour, and salt. |
| Limit salt consumption . | Salt causes water retention in the body and increases blood pressure. Reduce the amount of salt added to food and the intake of processed foods high in salt. |
| Exercise . | Do simple exercise, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. This will strengthen your heart. |
| Maintain a healthy weight . | Being overweight puts extra strain on the heart. Losing weight can go a long way in reducing blood pressure. |
| Stop smoking . | Smoking is the biggest culprit in damaging blood vessels. If you quit, your heart will thank you. |
| Limit alcohol consumption . | Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure. |
| Follow medical advice . | Go to the clinics on the scheduled dates. Take the medicine prescribed by the doctor on time. |
Let's learn a little about medications? (Treatment)
If lifestyle changes alone don't control your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication. Doctors are especially careful when prescribing blood pressure medication to people with diabetes.
The first choice of drugs is often the `(ACE inhibitors)` (`(Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors)`) and `(ARBs)` (`(Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)`). This is because, in addition to controlling blood pressure, these drugs also help prevent or control kidney damage caused by diabetes.
In addition, other medications are also used, such as ``diuretics'', which we commonly call "water pills" that remove unnecessary fluid from the body and reduce blood pressure.
Something to remember!
Some blood pressure medications can affect blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Some men may also experience conditions like erectile dysfunction. So don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about the medication you are taking and its side effects. If you have a problem, your doctor can prescribe a different medication that is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- Diabetes and high blood pressure are two diseases that go together and can cause very dangerous complications.
- High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it's essential to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
- The blood pressure target for someone with diabetes is usually less than 130/80 mmHg.
- Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing salt intake are the foundation of control.
- Take the medication your doctor prescribes as prescribed, at the prescribed times. Talk to your doctor about any problems or side effects.
- Just as controlling blood sugar is essential for protecting against serious conditions like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, controlling blood pressure is also essential.
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