Does High Blood Sugar Lead To High Blood Pressure
There is a strong association between high blood pressure and high blood sugar, as the two conditions commonly occur together. Insulin resistance is thought to lead to changes in blood vessels and the kidneys, which can ultimately cause high blood pressure.8
Excess glucose in the blood can bind to proteins lining blood vessels, causing changes in their structure. When blood vessels become damaged, they narrow and accumulate plaque. Over time, blood vessels harden, a process called atherosclerosis. When this occurs, your blood pressure increases.
Excess stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems is commonly seen in diabetes. These two systems increase blood volume and constrict blood vessels, both of which increase blood pressure.9
Lowering blood sugar can reduce the risk of changes in blood vessels and the kidneys that contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.10
How To Lower Your Blood Pressure
A lot of lowering your blood pressure is down to making positive lifestyle changes. But we know its not always that straightforward, and some people will need medication to help too.
- Try different ways to cope with stress
- Have less caffeine
Your healthcare team can support you with making these changes. Find out what healthcare checks and services you are entitled to.
Treating Headaches From Hyperglycemia
To relieve a headache from high blood glucose levels, a person can:
- drink fluids to increase hydration
- take insulin or other medications as agreed with their doctor
A person with type 1 diabetes should check their blood sugar levels and do a urine test to measure ketone levels, especially if glucose testing shows blood sugar levels are 240 mg/dl or above.
People with ketones in their urine should not exercise and seek emergency medical help. Exercising at this time could unintentionally increase blood sugar levels.
Other ways to prevent hyperglycemia headaches are by:
- maintaining a moderate weight
- following a nutritious and balanced diet
- taking any medications as the doctor recommends
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Why Was Salt Blamed For Raising Blood Pressure
Previously it was believed that excess amount of salt is responsible for altering the homeostasis of the body. This could lead to long term health hazards like high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Research studies were conducted where a personâs normal diet was replaced by fruits and vegetables. It was found that blood pressure could be kept in check after executing this diet plan. However, the results are now being reconsidered. It is true that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables does not contain added salt but at the same time it does not contain any added sugar too. Moreover, the role of sugar was overlooked while interpreting the results. Contrary to popular belief salt has various health benefits. They are as follows:
- It is responsible to maintain the concentration of blood, plasma, and other body fluids.
- Salt is responsible for carrying various nutrients into the cells and out of it.
- Blood pressure is maintained and regulated.
- Salt can increase the glial cells of the brain.
- Useful in the generation of action potential to help in neural communication within the body.
- Salt loss can lead to fainting.
- Low levels of sodium can lead to a condition called hyponatremia. The symptoms of hyponatremia are as follows-
Following A Healthy Diet
People with diabetes and hypertension can ask their doctor for information and advice on an appropriate diet plan.
Doctors often recommend the for managing blood pressure and overall well-being. This typically includes:
- eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
- focusing on high fiber foods, including whole grains
- limiting added salt and sugar
- avoiding or limiting unhealthy fats, such as trans fats and animal fats
A person with diabetes will need to monitor their intake of carbohydrates and check their blood glucose levels to ensure that their blood glucose remains within the healthy range.
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Diabetes And High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is twice as likely to strike a person with diabetes than a person without diabetes. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to 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. About two-thirds of adults with diabetes have blood pressure greater than 130/80 mm Hg or use prescription medications for hypertension.
What Is Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure your heart uses to push blood through your blood vessels and around your body.
There are two numbers used to describe blood pressure and its measured in millimetres of mercury . Its written like this: 130/80mmHg. And youll hear your doctor say ‘130 over 80’.
The first number is the systolic pressure. This is the most amount of pressure your heart uses when beating to push the blood around your body.
The second number is the diastolic pressure. This is the least amount of pressure your heart uses when it is relaxed between beats.
Using 130/80mmHg as an example, the systolic pressure here is 130mmHg and the diastolic pressure is 80mmHg.
Our video below explains all about blood pressure, and how it affects people with diabetes.
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What Is The Difference Between Diabetes Insipidus And Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus are two distinct conditions with different causes and treatments. They share the name diabetes because they both cause increased thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes comes from the Greek word diabainein, which means go through much like the liquids that quickly go through your body in these conditions.
Diabetes mellitus, most commonly known as Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, happens when your pancreas doesnt make any or enough insulin or your body doesnt use the insulin it makes properly. Your body needs insulin to transform the food you eat into energy.
If your body doesnt have insulin to transform glucose into energy, it starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy instead, which produces a substance called ketones. Too many ketones can turn your blood acidic, so your body tries to get rid of them through your urine. Because of this, symptoms of diabetes often include extreme thirst and frequent urination.
Diabetes insipidus happens when your body doesnt make enough antidiuretic hormone or your kidneys dont use it properly. Your body needs ADH to retain appropriate amounts of water. Without ADH, your body loses water through urine.
Diabetes mellitus is much more common than diabetes insipidus.
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Why Is Type 2 Diabetes A Problem
Diabetes often doesnt have any obvious symptoms to begin with, but it can cause problems later on. The large amounts of sugar in the blood can damage your blood vessels. Fatty deposits can be laid down in the damaged areas so your arteries become clogged and narrow, a process known as . This means youre much more likely to have a heart attack, heart disease, a stroke or problems with circulation in the legs, such as ,and at worst can require amputation.
High blood sugar can also damage the tiny blood vessels in your nerves, kidneys and eyes, leading to erectile dysfunction, kidney failure, sight loss. Diabetes can also lead to problems during pregnancy and pregnant women with diabetes will need careful monitoring.
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Risk Factors For High Blood Pressure With Diabetes
According to the ADA, the combination of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes is particularly lethal and can significantly raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Having type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure also increases your chances of developing other diabetes-related diseases, such as kidney disease and retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy may cause blindness.
Theres also significant evidence to show that chronic high blood pressure can speed the arrival of problems with the ability to think that are associated with aging, such as Alzheimers disease and dementia. According to the AHA, blood vessels in the brain are particularly susceptible to damage due to high blood pressure. This makes it a major risk factor for stroke and dementia.
Uncontrolled diabetes isnt the only health factor that increases risk for high blood pressure. Remember, your chances of having a heart attack or stroke increase exponentially if you have more than one of the following risk factors:
- chronic diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea
See Your Diabetes Educator
Work with a diabetes care and education specialist for help avoiding health complications such as heart disease. Youll get support and solutions and hear about the latest advances in managing diabetes. Find out more about how diabetes education can help you take the best care of yourself. And be sure to ask your doctor for a referral if you dont already have a diabetes educator.
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Diabetes And Hypertension: A Dangerous Duo
If you have diabetes, you already know about the importance of controlling your blood sugar levels. But you may not be aware of another problem that can go hand-in-hand with diabetes high blood pressure or hypertension.
There is a strong connection between diabetes and hypertension, explains Jai Radhakrishnan, MD, Director of Clinical Services of the Nephrology Division and Co-Director of the Hypertension Center at Columbia University Medical Center. Two out of every three people with Type 2 diabetes also have high blood pressure or take prescription medications to lower their blood pressure. Both are diseases of lifestyle and aging and share common risk factors. The good news is that diabetes and hypertension can be modified through behavior, including eating a healthful diet, exercise, weight control and, if your doctor prescribes it, medication.
People with diabetes either do not have enough insulin to process glucose or their insulin does not work effectively. As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, which can cause widespread damage to the blood vessels and kidneys.
Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure in the US, and one third of diabetics develop kidney disease
People with both diabetes and hypertension have approximately twice the risk of heart attack and stroke as nondiabetic people with hypertension. Hypertensive diabetic patients are also at increased risk for complications including retinopathy and kidney disease.
What Are The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
Often, people with high blood pressure do not have noticeable symptoms. If the blood pressure is greatly elevated, a person may experience the following. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of high blood pressure may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
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What About The Glycemic Index
Your daily carb total, spread steadily across the day, is one key to good blood sugar control. Some people also use the glycemic index , a rating of how individual foods raise blood sugar levels. Beans and whole-grain breads and cereals have a lower GI than white bread and regular pasta. Juice has a higher GI than whole fruit. Craving a high-GI food? Eat it along with a lower-GI choice to help control your levels.
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Dehydration And Kidney Failure
The kidneys rely on sufficient water in the blood to operate properly. Therefore prolonged dehydration can affect the kidneys ability to function. Chronic dehydration may lead to reduced kidney failure and the likelihood will be increased if you have existing impairments in your kidney function.
- Read more on diabetes and kidney disease
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Engage With Your Blood Glucose Levels With Nutrisense
Your blood sugar levels can significantly impact how your body feels and functions. Thatâs why stable blood glucose levels can be an important factor in supporting overall wellbeing.
With Nutrisense, youâll be able to track your blood glucose levels over time using a CGM, so you can make lifestyle choices that support healthy living.
When you join the program, our team of credentialed dietitians and nutritionists are available for additional support and guidance to help you reach your goals.
Ready to take the first step? Start with our quiz to see how Nutrisense can support your health.
Find the right Nutrisense program to help you discover and reach your health potential.
Does High Blood Pressure Lead To High Blood Sugar
While a causal relationship between high blood sugar and high blood pressure seems more likely, there is accumulating evidence that the relationship is bidirectional. People with high blood pressure are more likely to also have problems with carbohydrate metabolism.2 In a cohort study of 12,550 adults, type 2 diabetes was almost 2.5 times more common in people with high blood pressure than in those with normal blood pressure.9
Having insulin resistance predicts an increased risk of high blood pressure.8,10 Insulin resistance plays an important role in the blood vessel changes that cause high blood pressure.9 Conversely, excessive blood vessel stiffness that causes high blood pressure also worsens insulin resistance.9 Lowering blood pressure can reduce damage to blood vessels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications, and lowering blood sugar can reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
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Why Your Body Needs Water
When your bodys water weight starts dropping below 50 percent for any reason, symptoms of dehydration can develop and even affect your blood sugar level.
Water helps your body function in a variety of ways, including:
- Carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout your bloodstream to cells
- Hormone production
- And for people with diabetes: a sudden spike in blood sugar levels
How Can You Lower Your Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
Its possible to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by making healthy changes to your lifestyle. The changes you can make to lower your blood pressure will also lower your risk of diabetes. In particular, keeping to a healthy weight, stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet, drinking less alcohol and getting active.
Pre-diabetes can be reversed with a , and getting diagnosed early means you can get the treatment and support you need to prevent type 2 diabetes from developing.
There are simple checks you can have to find out if you have diabetes or may be at risk:
- Find out if you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes this simple questionnaire calculates your risk of diabetes.
- Use this BMI calculator to find out if youre a healthy weight.
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Causes And Risk Factors Of High Blood Pressure
For most people, theres no single cause of high blood pressure. But we know some things can make you more at risk. These are called risk factors, and one of these is having diabetes.
High levels of sugar in your blood can lead to something called atherosclerosis. This is when theres a build-up of fatty material inside your blood vessels, narrowing them. The narrower the blood vessels, the more the pressure builds up.
The more stress your blood vessels are under, the harder it is to push blood around the important areas of your body. This means your feet, eyes and heart are seriously at risk.
There are other risk factors you cant do much about:
- a family history of high blood pressure
- if your ethnic background is African-Caribbean or Black African
And there are risk factors you do have control over:
- too much salt in your diet
- being overweight
- how you cope with stress
- drinking too much caffeine, such as coffee
If you make changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. Were not saying its easy, but its vital you understand how you can do this. Theres lots of support to help you and achieve your goals.
Which Beverages Hydrate The Body And Which Dehydrate
Some beverages are better than others at preventing dehydration. Water is all you need if youre planning to be active in a low or moderate intensity activity, such as walking for only an hour or less. If you plan to exercise longer than that, or if you anticipate being out in the sun for more than a few hours, you may want to hydrate with some kind of sports drink. These replace not only fluid, but also electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are lost through sweating. Too much or too little sodium and potassium in the body can cause trouble. Muscle cramping may be due to a deficiency of electrolytes.
Beverages containing alcohol or caffeine arent recommended for optimal hydration. These fluids tend to pull water from the body and promote dehydration. Fruit juice and fruit drinks may have too many carbohydrates, too little sodium and they may upset your stomach.
Adequate hydration will keep your summer activities safer and much more enjoyable. Keep an extra pitcher of water in the refrigerator and add fresh lemons, limes, cucumber or mint for a dash of flavor.
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What Causes High Blood Pressure
The cause is not known in most cases. This is called essential hypertension. The pressure in the blood vessels depends on how hard the heart pumps, and how much resistance there is in the blood vessels . It is thought that slight narrowing of the arteries increases the resistance to blood flow, which increases the blood pressure. The cause of the slight narrowing of the arteries is not clear.
Various factors probably contribute.