Based on information and statistics obtained from the American Diabetes Association, up to 60% of people with type 2 diabetes also suffer from hypertension, along with other co-morbid medical conditions that lead to a metabolic syndrome diagnosis. Diabetes and hypertension are much more prevalent in people who suffer from obesity.

Hypertension is not as common in people with type 1 diabetes, however; the American Diabetes Association does report that up to 20% of type 1 diabetics also suffer from hypertension.

There are many complications that can occur from diabetes and hypertension including plaque buildup in the arteries, heart failure, kidney failure, blindness, and stroke. Diabetes actually increases the risk of coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, and cardiovascular disease. Many people wonder, “Is my diabetes causing hypertension?” Let’s take a closer look at this connection.

 

Can Diabetes Cause Hypertension?

 

It is possible for diabetes to lead to hypertension if the diabetes is not controlled well. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes can cause damage to the cardiovascular system by hardening the arteries. Your physician may refer to this condition as atherosclerosis. It is possible for this complication to lead to death if it is not treated properly and effectively.

 

Treatment For Diabetes Mellitus Hypertension

 

It is possible to avoid dealing with the complications of diabetes with hypertension. The best way to do that is to control your diabetes and avoid cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension. Maintaining a healthy body weight and following your physician’s recommendations regarding treating your diabetes is a great way to stay heart healthy.

Regular daily movement in the form of moderate exercise is also a great way to keep your heart healthy and avoid the complication of hypertension. If you currently live a sedentary lifestyle, start by adding movement to your daily life in simple ways.

  • Choose to take the stair instead of the elevator
  • Take a 5 minute walk before and after you eat a meal
  • If you have a sedentary job, get up and move for a couple of minutes every 45 minutes or so
  • Park further away from building entrances and walk a bit further
  • When going to the store, take a lap around and through all the isles before you put anything in your cart, then go back through picking up what you need
  • Take the long route to your mailbox by walking around the house to get to it

 

If you already do these things, bump up your activity a bit by working in a brisk 30 minute walk 3 to 4 times per week and go from there.

It is also essential that you follow your physician’s recommendations regarding diet, tracking, testing, and medications. Follow a healthy diabetic diet. Drink plenty of water to flush toxins from your body and avoid excess sodium. Following these simple tips can help you live a long and happy life with diabetes and avoid the complications, such as hypertension.