High blood pressure and the heart disease that results from it are the most dangerous complications associated with diabetes. Diabetics are twice as likely to develop heart disease. High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood pumped by the heart, or systolic pressure, is more than 140, and the force of the blood when the heart is at rest, or diastolic pressure, is more than 90. The effects of high blood pressure in a diabetic are serious and can be life-threatening.
Kidney Disease
One of the effects of high blood pressure in diabetics is the possibility of developing kidney disease. A family history of high blood pressure or recorded high blood pressure in a diabetic patient both increases the likelihood of developing kidney disease and worsens kidney disease if it is already present, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping blood pressure below 130/80 to avoid kidney disease. If kidney disease is already present, it can also be the cause of high blood pressure because of damage to the kidney tissues. The back-and-forth negative effects of high blood pressure on diabetes and kidney disease and the diabetic with kidney disease tendency to elevate blood pressure can produce a spiral of conditions leading to death.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
The combination of high blood pressure and diabetes can lead to leg and foot problems because of blood vessel and nerve damage. In peripheral vascular disease, blood vessels in the legs and feet are narrowed due to fatty deposits and blood flow is reduced. Along with a desensitizing of nerves in the legs and feet due to diabetes, dangerous sores may develop and become infected. The reduced blood flow also means a longer time to heal with more chance of infection and loss of a foot through amputation if the condition isn’t treated in time, according to the Federal Citizen Information Center.
Diabetic Response to Blood Pressure Reduction
A reduction in blood pressure in a study of 470 diabetics in 2000 resulted in a lowered mortality rate. The study, reported by the American Diabetic Association, states the use of anti-hypertensive medications increased life expectancy. Blood pressure was controlled to a moderate level of 138/86 with some patients and to a more intensive level of 132/78 with other patients using the medications nisoldipine or enalapril. Patients tended to stabilize over a five-year period and the patients receiving intensive blood pressure control showed a definite decrease in mortality from any cause.
