Blood Pressure and Diabetes

High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, can be one of the more serious side effects of diabetes. The reasoning behind this is that so many other complications of diabetes are linked directly to high blood pressure, and a person with hypertension can expect a more rapid worsening of those other complications than a person with normal blood pressure might. More than sixty percent of diabetics also have hypertension.
These complications can include: heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, kidney failure, and blindness.




Even people with mildly elevated blood pressure, as in above 120/80, are at a much higher risk for these conditions. For continued health and longevity, one of the best things a diabetic can do, aside from maintaining tight blood sugar control, is to maintain tight control over their hypertension as well.
Hypertension usually does not come with many symptoms. When they do appear, it tends to be when the readings are particularly high or when there is a rapid change. Some of these symptoms can include: dizziness, nausea, headache, drowsiness, and loss of vision. When these symptoms occur, particularly blindness, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that you are stabilized.
There are many things that you can do to lower your levels. Losing weight if you are overweight and maintaining an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise is one of the best ways. Reducing sodium intake and eating a healthy diet filled with high fiber vegetables is also a good way.

There are plenty of other things you can do to start controlling high blood pressure. Still, you should not forget to use your diabetes testing supplies to closely monitor and control your diabetes. For diabetics, there are many fronts in the war against failing health.