Type 2 diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) often occur alongside one another, and they share many of the same risk factors and disease management.
It is unclear why there is such a significant relationship between the two diseases, but it is believed that the following may contribute to both conditions:
- Obesity
- Insulin resistance
- High fat, high sodium diet
- Chronic inflammation
- Inactivity
Can diabetes cause hypertension?
People with diabetes either do not have enough insulin to process glucose (sugar), or the insulin they produce does not work effectively. As a result, glucose cannot enter the blood cells, and circulates in the bloodstream instead. As high blood sugar circulates around the body, it can cause damage to organs that play an important role in maintaining healthy blood pressure such as blood vessels and the kidneys. The blood vessels lose their ability to stretch, and the fluid in the body increases, especially if diabetes is already affecting the kidneys. If these organs become damaged, blood pressure can rise, increasing the risk of further harm and complications. In addition, insulin resistance may include processes that increase the risk of hypertension.
Data from USA researchers indicate that 50-80% of people with type 2 diabetes also suffer from high blood pressure.
Can hypertension cause diabetes?
In 2012, The Journal of the College of Cardiology (JACC) concluded that people with high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, most likely because of processes in the body that affect both conditions, for example inflammation.
Some facts about the possible complications of the two diseases
Having both diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems. If you have both conditions you are at least twice as likely to develop heart disease as people without diabetes.
Controlling blood sugar levels and blood pressure can help prevent complications.
The good news is that people with diabetes can help decrease the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease by controlling their blood sugar levels.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes and high blood pressure self-monitor their condition at home. Monitoring at home enables you to record your blood sugar and blood pressure readings in a real-life environment and share them with your doctor to give them a bigger picture of your condition.
Making healthful lifestyle choices for the two conditions is also important in reducing your risk of potential complications. Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and if needed, medications prescribed by your doctor, can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease by controlling blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
- https://www.healthline.com/ health/type-2-diabetes/hypertension #risk-factors
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/317220#hypertension_ and_diabetes_the_connection
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