The Connection
According to the University of Virginia Health System, diabetics are 50 percent more likely to develop hypertension, or high blood pressure, than non-diabetics. High blood pressure is a serious health concern, as it greatly increases the risk for cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure occurs when the force, or pressure, of the circulating blood against the walls of the arteries gets too high. It makes the heart exert extra effort to circulate the blood because it can't flow as easily.
Damage From Diabetes
One reason that diabetics are more susceptible to developing high blood pressure is because sustained levels of high blood glucose (sugar) can cause damage throughout the body. High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels and kidneys, says the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. This damage can cause blood vessels to become harder and narrower, making it more difficult for blood to circulate and increasing blood pressure.
Preventing Hypertension
Protect yourself from high blood pressure by sparing damage to your kidneys and blood vessels. Good blood sugar control--with a healthy diet, adherence to medications and regular exercise--can prevent kidney damage, as well as narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels. Follow your doctor's orders about medication and a healthy lifestyle, and take medication to bring high blood pressure under control.
