Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body becomes unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 23 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. Without proper treatment, diabetes leads to serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and limb amputation. In addition to good blood sugar control, it is important to maintain a healthy blood pressure in order to reduce the risk of complications from diabetes. This often requires the use of blood pressure medications.
Importance of Blood Pressure Control
According to the American Heart Association, heart attack and stroke are the leading causes of death in people with diabetes. Elevated blood pressure is a contributing factor for heart disease, stroke and other complications of diabetes. Because it is impossible to cure diabetes, it is important to improve factors such as blood pressure to help prevent these complications. The American Heart Association recommends a target blood pressure of 130/80 or less for patients with diabetes.
Types of Blood Pressure Medication
There are many different types of blood pressure medications. They work by lowering the amount of fluid in the body, decreasing the resistance of blood vessels and reducing the output of the heart, or other mechanisms. Some of these medications may be particularly useful for patients with diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, a class of blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors may be especially beneficial for diabetics because they reduce blood pressure, but do not affect blood sugar levels. ACE inhibitors, along with another class of medications called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), may also protect against kidney damage.
Ideal Blood Pressure Medication
Blood pressure medications are prescribed on an individual basis. Consideration is given to a patient's specific risk profile, including the duration of diabetes, the patient's current blood pressure, the presence of complications related to diabetes, and other factors. Sometimes a combination of different blood pressure medications will be required to adequately control blood pressure. Only a trained medical professional will be able to determine the best medication for controlling blood pressure in a particular patient.
Side Effects
Blood pressure medications can have a number of side effects. According to Johns Hopkins, common side effects include weakness, muscle aches, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness and cough. Patients experiencing side effects of a blood pressure medication should discuss them with a doctor to determine if an appropriate alternative is available.
Other Considerations
Diabetes and blood pressure are long-term medical problems that require close monitoring and follow-up with a team of medical professionals. In addition to medications, lifestyle changes such as an improved diet, smoking cessation, exercise and weight loss will reduce the risk of diabetes complications. A doctor can help develop a targeted treatment program for patients with both diabetes and high blood pressure.
