Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure. If you have heart, eye, or kidney problems from diabetes, high blood pressure can make them worse.
A smaller opening in a garden hose makes the water pressure higher. In the same way, clogged blood vessels lead to high blood pressure.
You will see your blood pressure written with two numbers separated by a slash. For example, your reading might be 120/70, said as "120 over 70." For people with diabetes, the target is to keep the first number below 130 and the second number below 80.
If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor how to lower it. Your doctor may ask you to take blood pressure medicine every day. Some types of blood pressure medicine can also help keep your kidneys healthy.
You may also be able to control your blood pressure by
- eating more fruits and vegetables
- eating less salt and high-sodium foods
- losing weight if you need to
- being physically active
- not smoking
- limiting alcoholic drinks
Blood pressure monitors can save your life, giving you a warning sign that your pressure is heading toward the sky. In addition, they can save you time and convenience because you don't always have to go to your doctor to get a blood pressure reading. Ambulatory blood pressure monitors perform while you work, play, or sleep, giving an accurate reading of your pressure throughout the day.
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