Can high blood pressure cause high blood sugar?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) and even prehypertension are linked with insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is when the body doesn’t properly respond to insulin, which typically helps cells use glucose in the blood. Without treatment, insulin resistance can eventually lead to diabetes.
Evidence points to high blood pressure as a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. This doesn’t mean high blood pressure is a cause. But it means people with hypertension are more likely to develop diabetes. It’s possible that blood vessel damage and inflammation could be to blame.
Can high blood sugar cause high blood pressure?
Most likely yes. Experts know that diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the kidneys, increasing the risk for kidney disease. This, in turn, can increase blood pressure. But research suggests that even insulin resistance (a precursor to prediabetes and diabetes) can contribute to high blood pressure.
Furthermore, studies suggest that high blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes increases their risk of developing high blood pressure. Treatment with insulin decreases that risk.
It’s worth noting here that high blood pressure itself can also cause kidney disease, making this a vicious cycle.
What is a healthy blood pressure if you have diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or less for people with diabetes and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If you have diabetes and a blood pressure anywhere above 120/80, it’s never too early to start making changes.
If you have diabetes and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above, then you’ll probably need to take high blood pressure medications to drop your blood pressure back to healthy levels.
Quiz: Am I at risk for high blood pressure?
Six tips to naturally lower your blood pressure if you have diabetes
If you have diabetes and notice your blood pressure creeping up, there are several steps you can take to help lower it. Lifestyle changes can work wonders for improving blood pressure and your overall health. These changes can lower high blood pressure and help prevent it in the first place.
Here are some tips for where to start.
ADVERTISEMENT
