Blood Pressure And Your Health
Risk Of Hypertension And Diabetes
Research has shown that the population of diabetics
with hypertension is greater than the population of non-diabetics with
hypertension. It has also shown that there is a link between the two
diseases. According to Dr. William White of the University of
Connecticut Health Center, diabetes causes metabolic changes due to the
body’s resistance to insulin which leads to the body holding on to too
much sodium (salt). Too much sodium causes the body to hold on to too
much water which adds volume to your blood. The extra volume added to
the blood causes your blood pressure to rise which puts a strain on your
heart and kidneys. So as you can see it is a vicious circle and if you
don’t control your diabetes you are at a great risk of developing
hypertension.
What can you do to help yourself?
The most important thing you can do is get diagnosed. If you have a
family history of either hypertension or diabetes you should see your
doctor. Most people ages 20-45 don’t go to the doctor and may go
undiagnosed for many years until they are in a crisis situation. Don’t
let this happen to you; learn to control both your diabetes and your
hypertension.
The treatment goals for diabetics with hypertension
have changed and the most recent guidelines for blood glucose levels
have dropped. The newest recommendations are to keep your blood glucose
levels less than 120 and your Hemoglobin A1C less than 7%. The
guidelines for hypertension in diabetics have also been lowered recently
to 125 systolic blood pressure (top number) over 75 diastolic (lower
number).
Check with your doctor to see what your levels are.
Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes such as diet control and exercise
play a big role in controlling these diseases and preventing future
problems.