If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then you might already know how important it is to not only monitor your blood sugar but also monitor your blood pressure. Having both diabetes and hypertension is not an uncommon occurrence: about 25% of people with Type 1 diabetes and 80% of people with Type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure. Here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know about high blood pressure and diabetes.
Do you know what is hypertension? Check our article ”What is high blood pressure and what does it really mean?” to discover more.
Reduce the risk of diabetes
Controlling blood pressure can reduce the risk of diabetes. When your blood moves through your vessels with too much force, your heart is working harder, and your risk for diabetes goes up. This is why it is crucial to always know your blood pressure numbers, just as you know your weight or height. Because high blood pressure often comes on unknowingly and without apparent symptoms, it is suggested to check your blood pressure frequently and to record each reading. This is made easy with QardioArm. Our portable BP monitor is not only clinically validated to give medically precise reading, but also stylish and discreet. You can sync your BP data right to your smartphone using the free Qardio App and even share them with your doctor. Qardio’s secure cloud automatically saves all of your blood pressure readings and displays them in easy-to-read charts and graphs so you can easily understand what those numbers mean.
Manage naturally
There are also ways to manage diabetes and high blood pressure naturally. Being overweight is one of the major drivers of diabetes as well as hypertension. Therefore, exercising and eating healthy are two great ways to get your blood pressure and diabetes under control. Since fat clings to your liver, pancreas, and arteries, being overweight increases your chances of high blood pressure and diabetes. Try making a food journal to hold yourself accountable for what you are eating, and aim to exercise at least three times a week. These two simple steps can not only boost mood but also help you live a healthier and happier life.
Limit alcohol intake
Limiting your alcohol intake is another way to help keep your blood pressure and diabetes under control. Alcohol impacts the liver in doing its job of regulating blood sugar, which can cause some serious problems if you have diabetes. Alcohol can also interact negatively with medications that you are prescribed for high blood pressure or diabetes. Always discuss your lifestyle choices with your doctor and limit alcohol intake to manage your diabetes and hypertension.
Check blood pressure regularly
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes, then make sure you are checking your blood pressure regularly; this could be a lifesaver. Regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and healthy eating are all ways that you can also lower blood pressure. Ask your doctor about ways to treat high blood pressure and diabetes that are tailored specifically to your conditions.
So go ahead and start measuring your blood pressure today with QardioArm – your heart will thank you later!
Post contributed by Natalie Cassidy: An avid health and fitness enthusiast. Natalie enjoys creating new healthy recipes and hitting the gym as often as possible. She believes that a healthy lifestyle leads to a happy lifestyle.
Sources:
American Diabetes Association
Blood Pressure UK
Healthline
