Overview

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that’s seen in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s unknown why there’s such a significant relationship between the two diseases. It’s believed that the following contribute to both conditions:

  • obesity
  • a diet high in fat and sodium
  • chronic inflammation
  • inactivity

High blood pressureis known as a “silent killer” because it often has no obvious symptoms and many people are unaware they have it. A 2013 survey by theAmerican Diabetes Association (ADA)found that fewer than half of people at risk forheart diseaseortype 2 diabetesreported discussing biomarkers, includingblood pressure, with their care providers.

如果you have high blood pressure, it means that your blood is pumping through your heart and blood vessels with too much force. Over time, consistently high blood pressure tires the heart muscle and canenlargeit. In 2008,67 percent of American adults aged 20 and overwith self-reported diabetes had blood pressure rates that were greater than 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

In the general population and in people with diabetes, a blood pressure reading of less than 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal.

What does this mean? The first number (120) is called thesystolic pressure。It indicates the highest pressure exerted as blood pushes through your heart. The second number (80) is called the diastolic pressure. This is the pressure maintained by the arteries when the vessels are relaxed between heartbeats.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) , healthy people over 20 with a blood pressure lower than 120/80 should get their blood pressure checked once every two years. People with diabetes need to be more vigilant.

如果you have diabetes, your doctor may check your blood pressure at least four times each year. If you have diabetes and high blood pressure, the ADA recommends that youself-monitor at home, record the readings, and share them with your doctor.

According to the ADA, the combination of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes is particularly lethal and can significantly raise your risk of having aheart attackorstroke。Having type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure also increases your chances of developing otherdiabetes-related diseases, such askidney diseaseandretinopathy。Diabetic retinopathy may causeblindness。

There’s also significant evidence to show that chronic high blood pressure can speed the arrival of problems with the ability to think that are associated with aging, such asAlzheimer’s diseaseanddementia。According to theAHA, blood vessels in the brain are particularly susceptible to damage due to high blood pressure. This makes it a major risk factor forstrokeanddementia。

Uncontrolled diabetes isn’t the only health factor that increases risk for high blood pressure. Remember, your chances of having a heart attack or stroke increase exponentially if you have more than one of the following risk factors:

In pregnancy

An older study from 2003 has shown that women who havegestational diabetesare more likely to have high blood pressure. However, women who manage their blood sugar levels during pregnancy are less likely to experience high blood pressure.

如果you develophigh blood pressure during pregnancy,医生会监视你urine protein levels。高尿蛋白水平的标志preeclampsia。This is a type of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy. Other markers in the blood may also lead to a diagnosis. These markers include:

There are manylifestyle changesthat can lower your blood pressure. Nearly all are dietary, but daily exercise is also recommended. Most doctors advise walking briskly for 30 to 40 minutes every day, but anyaerobic activitycan make your heart healthier.

The AHA recommends a minimum of either:

  • 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise
  • 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise
  • a combination of moderate and vigorous activity each week

In addition to lowering blood pressure, physical activity can strengthen the heart muscle. It may also reduce arterial stiffness. This happens as people age, but is often accelerated by type 2 diabetes. Exercise can also help yougain better control的哟ur blood sugar levels.

Work directly with your doctor to develop an exercise plan. This is especially important if you:

  • haven’t exercised before
  • are trying to work up to something more strenuous
  • are having trouble meeting your goals

Start with five minutes of brisk walking each day and increase it over time. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park your car farther from the store entrance.

You may be familiar with the need for improved eating habits, such aslimiting sugarin your diet. Butheart-healthy eatingalso means limiting:

  • salt
  • 高脂肪肉类
  • whole-fat dairy products

According to theADA, there are many eating plan options for people with diabetes. Healthy choices that can be maintained over a lifetime are the most successful. TheDASH (Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension) dietis one diet plan specifically designed to help lower blood pressure. Try these DASH-inspired tips for improving the standard American diet:

While some people can improve their type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure with lifestyle changes, most requiremedication。Depending on their overall health, some people may need more than one medication to help manage their blood pressure. Mosthigh blood pressure medicationsfall into one of these categories:

Some medications produce side effects, so keep track of how you feel. Be sure to discuss any other drugs you’re taking with your doctor.