4 Min Read
Diabetes and hypertension are two prominent medical conditions that have a significant effect on public health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 1.28 billion people worldwide aged 30–79 years suffer from hypertension.1 Similarly, a 2021 report from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) revealed that approximately 537 million adults suffered from diabetes globally.2 Often, these diseases develop silently, leading people to underestimate their dangers.
The progression of these conditions without significant symptoms has earned them the nickname "silent killer." Due to their nature, routine health check-ups and lifestyle interventions are urgently needed. Early detection of these conditions can help prevent long-term complications.
This blog post sheds light on diabetes mellitus and hypertension by exploring their symptoms, risk factors, and lifestyle changes.
Synopsis
Understanding Hypertension and Diabetes
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, refers to consistently having blood pressure readings at or above 130/80 mmHg. It may lead to serious health complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It can also increase the risk of dementia if untreated. Similarly, diabetes is a metabolic disorder that also causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the body can’t produce insulin or use it properly. Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for kidney failure or adult-onset blindness.
The relationship between diabetes and hypertension is often bidirectional. Individuals diagnosed with one condition are frequently at risk of the other, which complicates treatment regimens. Many individuals suffering from diabetes and hypertension are unaware of their condition until serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, or vision loss arise.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Common symptoms of hypertension include frequent headaches, shortness of breath, and, in advanced stages, nosebleeds. Diabetes can cause subtle signs like increased thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, and blurred vision. Patients frequently perceive these symptoms as signs of ageing, leading to a delay in seeking medical treatment.
The majority of patients develop diabetes and hypertension due to poor lifestyle choices. Unhealthy dietary habits (excessive salt and sugar consumption), physical inactivity, obesity, and genetics increase the susceptibility to developing these diseases.
How Diabetes Causes Hypertension?
Hypertension may arise as a complication of diabetes due to metabolic changes. As blood sugar levels increase over time, they damage the blood vessels, resulting in increased resistance in circulation and ultimately leading to high blood pressure. Poorly controlled diabetes causes the blood vessels to become narrower and stiffer due to inflammation, oxidative stress, or hormonal damage, contributing to hypertension.
The presence of hypertension can accelerate the development of complications associated with diabetes. Individuals with hypertension experience heightened insulin resistance.
Therefore, patients diagnosed with either of the two conditions must diligently monitor their blood pressure and glucose levels to prevent the development of severe health complications.
Diabetes and Hypertension Management
Managing hypertension and diabetes demands a diverse strategy. Integration of medication management, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring forms the cornerstone for the treatment of these conditions. Specialists in the fields of endocrinology, cardiology, and dietetics employ a collaborative approach to create an individualised treatment plan.
Medications have a central role in the management of diabetes and hypertension. Anti-hypertensive medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics may be prescribed to lower blood pressure to healthy levels. Diabetes is managed with oral medications like metformin and sulfonylureas and insulin. Patients must strictly adhere to this medication regimen to ensure effective control of hypertension and diabetes.
Effective management of these conditions entails substantial lifestyle modifications, which include dietary changes, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques. By incorporating these changes, patients can expect an overall improvement in their health.
Regular monitoring of patients diagnosed with these conditions is also essential. Monitoring helps healthcare providers understand treatment efficacy and make timely adjustments to the treatment plan. It can also help identify potential health issues early, before they turn serious. Consulting an experienced endocrinologist or internal medicine expert can help in early diagnosis and keeping the disorder in control.
Both these conditions must be addressed simultaneously to promote overall health and minimise the risk of complications.
Prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension
Patients can adopt these measures to prevent diabetes mellitus and hypertension:
-
Include a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and lean meats
-
Regular physical activity, which involves moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, for 150 minutes each week
-
Manage stress with techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises
-
Regular health check-ups are essential for early diagnosis and management of these conditions
Adopting these preventive measures can help regulate blood pressure and ensure healthy blood sugar levels.
Read more of our blogs: World Hypertension Day 2025: Track Your Blood Pressure, Protect Your Health
Conclusion
Most individuals with diabetes and hypertension let the disease go for a long time without treatment. This may be due to a lack of timely diagnosis or awareness about these conditions. Both hypertension and diabetes contribute to major health concerns. Therefore, there is an urgent need for awareness, screening tests, and timely intervention for these conditions.
Our internal medicine experts at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, provide patients with comprehensive diabetes and hypertension care to prevent long-term harm that could come with these conditions.
FAQ's
Hypertension is twice as likely in patients with diabetes as in those without diabetes. Moreover, hypertension also causes the exacerbation of cardiovascular risk.
Patients do not know they have high blood pressure unless they get checked by a healthcare provider. Therefore, patients with diabetes or those at risk for other heart diseases should regularly visit a doctor to check their blood pressure. Those without any risk factors must monitor their blood pressure levels at least once every two years.
In most cases, patients must take blood pressure medications for life. However, in individuals with controlled blood pressure over time, blood pressure medication may be discontinued. This is true for those who have made significant lifestyle changes. Contact our specialists at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, for any advice on BP medications.
Patients diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension must avoid foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. They must avoid sugary drinks, processed snacks, salty pickles, and fried food.
Yes. Home monitoring helps patients and their doctors to see how well their treatment is working and catch any problems early. Keeping a log of the readings to share during check-ups may be beneficial for effective disease management.
Share this article on:
