Diabetes and Hypertension Relationship: A Guide

The first thing about the diabetes and hypertension relationship you may observe is that those showing type 2 diabetes symptoms also have hypertension. While the exact reason of this relationship remains unknown, these are a few common factors that may cause both these conditions: 

• Obesity 
• Sedentary lifestyle 
• Diet rich in sodium and fat 
• Chronic inflammation 

Both diabetes and hypertension are major risk factors for heart ailments and stroke [1]. When your heart pumps blood with excess force, it causes high blood pressure or hypertension. No wonder it is called the silent killer! According to a report, approximately 33% of Indians residing in urban areas are prone to hypertension [2]. The inability of your body to produce the insulin hormone or use the produced insulin causes diabetes. If you do not monitor your blood sugar levels properly, it can cause dangerous complications. Approximately 8.7% of Indians are prone to diabetes and this number keeps increasing [3].  

For proper insight on the diabetes and hypertension relationship, read on.

Identifying hypertension and diabetes  

Identifying hypertension and diabetes is possible with some simple tests. You can even check your blood sugar or blood pressure at home by using home kits. For identifying hypertension, you need to be aware of how to check your readings. After you take the reading, you will observe two numbers. The one at the top is called systolic while the one at the bottom is the diastolic reading.  

Here are the 5 stages of high blood pressure you should be aware of. 

The final stage is the most crucial one that requires immediate medical attention.  

In case of diabetes, you may not notice symptoms initially unless you take a blood test. Only when there is drastic increase in your blood sugar levels, you begin to notice the following signs. 

• Blurred vision 
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue 

If you have diabetes, you may also acquire urinary and respiratory tract infections.  

After you fast for 8 hours, these are glucose level indicators in your blood for measuring whether you are diabatic. 

• Normal: <100mg/dl 
• Prediabetes: 100-125mg/dl 
• Diabetes: >126mg/dl 

Diabetes and hypertension complications 

Your kidneys and blood vessels help maintain your blood pressure. When there is high blood sugar, it can affect your kidneys and blood vessels. As a result, your blood pressure increases and this can lead to other complications. The combined effects of both these conditions can add to your risk of heart ailments and kidney diseases.  

Here are the ways in which both these conditions can cause complications: 

• Your blood vessels may not be able to stretch properly 
• If diabetes damages your kidneys, your body fluid may increase 
• Insulin resistance can increase your blood pressure 

Together these complications can lead to serious consequences like heart ailments, stroke and more. The only way to reverse the process is to control your blood pressure and blood sugar by taking timely measures.  

Diabetes and hypertension risk factors 

Both these conditions share similar risk factors such as: 

• Inactive lifestyle
• Tobacco consumption
• Eating unhealthy food
• Poor sleeping patterns
• Excess stress
• Reduced levels of vitamin D
• Old age 

Diabetes and hypertension treatment 

Treatment includes modifying your lifestyle and taking medication for diabetes and hypertension as prescribed by your doctor. You may require insulin shots to control blood sugar. In case of type 2 diabetes, you have to take metformin and other medications for reducing your sugar levels.  

Another treatment option for diabetes is Lantus insulin. If you are wondering what is Lantus insulin, it is a brand name for insulin glargine and helps to regulate your blood glucose levels. You may also try out some of these top diabetics’ exercises: 

• Cycling 
• Swimming 
• Aerobics 
• Yoga 
• Walking 

For lowering high blood pressure, you may have to take beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and diuretics. These medicines improve blood circulation and reduce hypertension.  

Now that you are aware of the link between diabetes and hypertension, make sure to keep a close watch on your symptoms. Making changes to your existing lifestyle habits can help you control blood pressure and sugar levels. Be consistent in following the treatment plan outlined by your doctor. To find the right medical help, you can connect to top specialists on Bajaj Finserv Health. Book an online doctor consultation to learn about the warning signs of hypertension and diabetes you need to watch out for and you can also avail diabetes health insurance in a single click.