Blood pressure readings are important for everyone. Nearly one in every three Americans has high blood pressure, or hypertension. The risk increases when a person has diabetes. Two of every three people in the U.S. who have diabetes have hypertension or take medication that lowers their blood pressure.
How do you know if you have high blood pressure? How do you make it go away? Are there complications for people who have diabetes and who also have high blood pressure? How do you guard your blood pressure so that you do not have complications? Let’s explore the answers to these important questions and learn how you can control your blood pressure.
The only way for you to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your healthcare provider take your blood pressure. Your doctor will usually check your blood pressure at each visit. It is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly if you have diabetes, because hypertension does not go away without treatment.
There are many complications of having high blood pressure if you also have diabetes. When you have diabetes, you are nearly twice as likely to die of cardiovascular disease or stroke. You are also at risk of developing kidney disease, peripheral artery disease or other complications.
Reduce your blood pressure with these tips:
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Exercise to manage your blood glucose and maintain your heart health
- Eat a healthy diet
- Reduce your sodium intake
- Take your medications, including blood pressure medication
Make sure that you stop smoking and limit your alcohol consumption.
