The Dangerous Link Between Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
           by Leon Altman

People with diabetes need to be particularly vigilant about treating high blood pressure. Diabetes predisposes the arteries to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can cause high blood pressure, making the heart pump harder to circulate blood.

Diabetics are twice as likely than nondiabetics to have high blood pressure, and left untreated it can lead to increased risk for heart disease and stroke. In fact, a person with diabetes and high blood pressure is four times as likely to develop heart disease than someone who does not have either of the conditions.

In addition, high blood pressure increases the risk of developing different complications of diabetes, including diabetic eye disease and kidney disease.

That’s why having a normal blood pressure reading is as important to managing diabetes as controlling of your blood sugar. Proper medication to treat high blood pressure can be a lifesaver. ACE inhibitors, which reduce blood pressure by enlarging blood vessels, have been shown to be particularly helpful.

Unfortunately, a recent survey found that only 4 in 10 diabetics receive the appropriate blood pressure medication. Since the consequences are so severe, diabetics need to be proactive about their healthcare treatment. If you have diabetes and high blood pressure ask your physician about Ace inhibitors.

In addition to medication, there are many things you can do. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following to help prevent the onset of high blood pressure:

• Reduce salt intake.
• Learn to relax.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a reasonable weight.
• Consume alcohol in moderation.
• Stop smoking.
• Monitor blood pressure.

As you can see, these measures are lifestyle factors that you can control. The issue is recognizing the importance of maintaining normal blood pressure and doing the things that need to be done.