What you need to know: hypertension and diabetes
Lifestyle adjustments can help control one's blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Both hypertension and diabetes may have some underlying causes in common, and they share some risk factors.
They also contribute to a worsening of each other’s symptoms.
The ways of managing both conditions also overlap.
People with both hypertension and diabetes have approximately twice the risk of cardiovascular disease as nondiabetic people with hypertension.
Hypertension often occurs alongside diabetes mellitus, including Type 1 and Type 2, as well as gestational diabetes.
Read on to find out more about the link between hypertension and diabetes, how to detect them, and how to reduce the negative impact of both.
Diabetes mellitus – what you need to know:
Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) is a condition whereby the body is unable to control or maintain blood glucose (sugar) levels within normal ranges.
It is characterised by elevated blood sugar level.
The normal glucose range is between 3.9-5.5mmol/L.
There are two types of diabetes: Diabetes mellitus Type 1 and Type 2.
- In Type 1 diabetes mellitus, the body is unable to produce the hormone insulin which is responsible for controlling blood sugar.
- In Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the body produces less of the hormone insulin. The early symptoms of the disease include tiredness, frequent urination, frequent thirst, and weight loss.
The long-term complications of the disease include:
- loss of sensation in the feet
- kidney disease
- eye problems and
- cardiovascular diseases
Hypertension – what you need to know:
Hypertension (high blood pressure), also known as the silent killer, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the blood vessels is persistently elevated.
It is measured and expressed using two numbers.
The first (systolic) represents the pressure when the heart contracts or beats.
The second (diastolic) represents the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
Hypertension is only diagnosed when it is measured on two different days and the systolic blood pressure readings is greater than140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings is greater than 90 mmHg.
The warning signs and symptoms are few and often overlooked and can lead to more serious health problems. The symptoms to look out for include:
- fatigue
- headache
- nose bleeds
- blushing
- anxiety
The risk factors for both diabetes and hypertension include family history of the condition, being overweight or obese, lack of physical activity or exercise, and smoking.
It is important that you consult your primary health provider or your pharmacist if you suspect that you have diabetes or hypertension.
Self-management of both diabetes and hypertension start with lifestyle modifications such as:
- Avoiding smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Dietary changes (such as reducing salt in diet)
- Daily exercise, for example, 30 minutes of moderate- aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming) on 3 to 5 days of the week
- Stress reduction and practicing self-care
- Adhering to prescribed medication
Hypertension and diabetes often occur together. Lifestyle adjustments can help control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, but most people will need to follow a treatment plan for life. A doctor will prepare a treatment plan with the individual
For more information on available specialist assistance from Life Cosmos Hospital please contact christelle.matthee@lifehealthcare.co.za or contact the Life Cosmos Hospital Pharmacy on 013 653 8064.
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