Dr. Anupam Anand, Department of General Medicine, Sharda Hospital - Delhi (India) - said: "People with high blood pressure are 1.6 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people with normal blood pressure."
According to a study published in the Journal of Hypertension, for every 10 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases by 12%. High blood pressure can significantly increase the risk of diabetes through several mechanisms. These mechanisms may include:
Vascular damage
High blood pressure puts excessive force on blood vessel walls, causing damage and narrowing of blood vessels, which in turn impairs the ability to deliver insulin to cells, leading to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes.
Kidney damage
High blood pressure can overwork the kidneys, leading to inflammation and restricted blood flow, which in turn affects the kidneys' ability to filter glucose, causing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can lead to insulin resistance by impairing the function of insulin receptors in cells, making it difficult for insulin to effectively regulate blood sugar.
Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
“If you have high blood pressure, taking proactive steps can help reduce your risk of diabetes,” says Dr. Anupam.
- Monitor blood pressure regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Participate in regular physical activity.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Stress management.
- Regular health check-ups.
