What to know about diabetes and blood pressure
Diabetes and high blood pressure often occur together, increasing your risk for heart disease, kidney problems, and more. Learn how to manage both conditions to protect your health.
Diabetes and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. About two-thirds of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
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High blood pressure and high blood sugar both cause damage to your blood vessels that can increase your risk of heart disease. You’re four times more likely to develop heart disease if you have diabetes and hypertension. High blood pressure can also raise your risk for kidney disease and diabetic eye disease.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so checking your blood pressure regularly is important. Your doctor should check your blood pressure every time you see them (at least once a year). If you’d like to check it more often, talk to your doctor about how you can monitor your blood pressure at home.
Medications your way
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will likely prescribe medicine to help lower it. Lifestyle changes like these can also help:
- Eat less sodium (salt). Cutting back on packaged, processed foods can help.
- Eat more potassium. You can get more of this mineral by eating more vegetables and fruits.
- Manage stress.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit alcohol and quit smoking
The great news: Many of these changes can help you manage your diabetes, too.
