High blood pressure (hypertension) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are two common health conditions, seemingly separate but in fact closely related. The two not only share many common risk factors but can also cause or worsen each other.
People with one of the two diseases are at high risk of developing the other, says Dr. Jane Kim, an endocrinologist at the University of California, San Francisco. This significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular and kidney complications.
Two-way contact
In people with high blood pressure, insulin resistance, when cells do not respond to insulin, appears quite commonly. Insulin resistance causes blood sugar to rise, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
On the contrary, prolonged high blood sugar, especially in diabetics, can damage blood vessels, making them narrow and stiff, thereby increasing blood pressure. Diabetic kidney damage also contributes to high blood pressure. According to CDC and NHANES data, more than 70% of adults with diabetes have high blood pressure.
General risk factors
Obesity
Chronic inflammation
sedentary lifestyle
A diet high in sugar, salt and saturated fat
Prolonged stress
Smoking and drinking alcohol
Family history
These factors not only increase the risk of one disease but also promote the progression of the other.
Consequences of simultaneous infection
People with both high blood pressure and diabetes are 4 times more likely to develop heart disease or stroke than healthy people. In addition, complications of the kidneys, eyes, and peripheral nerves are often more serious.
According to Dr. Kim, controlling both blood pressure and blood sugar requires a combination of many measures and lifestyle changes:
Quit smoking, limit alcohol.
Maintain a reasonable weight.
Exercise at least 150 minutes/week.
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, reduce salt and sugar.
Monitor regularly.
Regular blood pressure measurement.
Check blood sugar when hungry and after eating.
Take medication when needed:
Blood pressure medications, diabetes medications or insulin as prescribed by your doctor.
Blood pressure and blood sugar are two basic health indicators but have a profound impact on the entire cardiovascular, nervous and kidney system. Controlling both not only helps prevent dangerous complications but also improves the quality of life in the long term.
