Understanding the Connection Between Blood Pressure and Diabetes
When you live with diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels in check is a big part of staying healthy. But did you know that blood pressure plays a big role, too? Understanding how your blood pressure and diabetes are related can help protect your heart, kidneys, and overall health.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s measured using two numbers:
- Systolic (top number): pressure when your heart beats
- Diastolic (bottom number): pressure when your heart rests between beats.
Healthy blood pressure for most people is around 120/80 mmHg.
Blood Pressure in People Without Diabetes
For someone who does not have diabetes, the body naturally manages blood sugar and blood pressure levels through a balance of hormones. Healthy lifestyle habits like eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep usually keep blood pressure within a safe range.
Blood Pressure in People with Diabetes
When you have diabetes, your body has a harder time controlling both blood sugar and blood pressure.
Here’s why.
High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and make them less flexible. This damage makes it harder for blood to flow, causing the heart to work harder and thus raising your blood pressure. People with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), which raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Top 5 Things to Know About Blood Pressure and Diabetes
Top 5 Things to Know About Blood Pressure and Diabetes
- High blood pressure is common in diabetes. Over half of adults with diabetes also have high blood pressure.
- High blood pressure paired with diabetes increases your risk of serious health problems. When both blood sugar and blood pressure are too high, your chances of having heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and vision problems increase.
- You may not feel any symptoms. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because many people don’t notice it until problems start.
- Blood pressure goals may differ. For folks living with diabetes, doctors often recommend a target of less than 130/80 mmHg. This is lower than the average target.
- Medication and lifestyle work best together. Many people with diabetes need both medicine and healthy habits to manage blood pressure well.
Tips to Keep Blood Pressure Healthy with Diabetes
Eat a balanced, low-salt diet. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid salty snacks and processed foods.
- Stay active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Walking, swimming, or biking are great options.
- Manage stress. Stress can raise both blood sugar and blood pressure. Try deep breathing, meditation, or calming hobbies.
- Take medications as prescribed. If your doctor prescribes blood pressure medicine, take it every day, even if you feel fine.
- Check your numbers. Monitor your blood pressure at home. Cuffs are cheap and readily available at your pharmacy or online. Keep track of your results and bring them to your doctor’s appointments.
Stay Informed, Stay Ahead
Managing diabetes means paying attention to more than just your blood sugar. Blood pressure plays a key role in your long-term health. By knowing your numbers and taking small, healthy steps every day, you can help protect your heart, kidneys, and more.
Author: Elidia Zaragoza, RN, CDCES | CCS Health
This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.
