Hypertension and diabetes are both very common diseases in China, and they are like a pair of difficult brothers and sisters, with their actual prevalence reaching about 29.6% and 11.6% respectively. It is important to note that when hypertension and diabetes are combined, one disease can worsen the other, and the complication of these two diseases is known as a fatal disease combination in medical science. Studies have shown that when hypertension and diabetes are present together, both may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, and will also increase the risk of kidney disease and ocular vascular disease, the latter of which can even lead to blindness. Therefore, patients with hypertension should regularly check their islet function and blood sugar levels; while diabetic patients must closely observe their blood pressure changes and control it from all aspects, and never let these two “difficult brothers and sisters” meet. We recommend an article that shows you how to control diabetes and hypertension to minimize the negative effects of both diseases. High blood pressure, which often affects people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reports that from 2000 to 2012, 71% of adults with diabetes had blood pressure higher than or equal to 140/90mmHg or took medication to help lower it. Blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg needs to be monitored, especially if it occurs in combination with diabetes. The link between hypertension and diabetes Studies have found that at least one-third of people with type 1 diabetes also have hypertension. When hypertension is present in combination with diabetes, one disease can worsen the other, making it a deadly combination of diseases. In general, diabetes raises blood pressure in three ways: 1) by decreasing the elasticity of blood vessels 2) by increasing the body’s fluid volume 3) by changing the way the body regulates insulin Hypertension and diabetes are often combined because they share similar risk factors, including being overweight, unhealthy eating patterns, and lack of adequate exercise. Patients with diabetes should report to their doctor when their blood pressure readings reach 140/90 mmHg or higher, as these may lead to a number of complications. Risk factors The combined presence of high blood pressure and diabetes can be fatal, and both may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Having both diseases together also increases the risk of kidney disease and vascular disease of the eye, the latter of which can even lead to blindness. Smoking increases the risk of diabetes and hypertension. Uncontrolled diabetes is not the only risk factor for hypertension. In addition to diabetes, the presence of other risk factors can double the risk of heart attack or stroke. Risk factors include: 1. family history of heart disease 2. stress 3. high-fat or high-sodium diet 4. lack of exercise 5. advanced age 6. overweight 7. smoking 8. excessive alcohol consumption 9. low potassium or vitamin D deficiency 10. other chronic diseases such as sleep apnea, kidney disease or inflammatory arthritis People with diabetes should do everything they can to reduce these risk factors, for example, by making a healthy lifestyle choice. Prevention: Lifestyle factors are the best way to reduce the risk of hypertension and maintain normal blood pressure. There is substantial evidence that controlling blood pressure in people with diabetes reduces the risk of complications. A British study followed 1,148 people with diabetes for several years. Participants with well-controlled blood pressure had a significantly lower risk of dying from diabetes, hypertension, or complications related to both. Weight loss Losing even a small amount of weight can make a difference in lowering blood pressure. The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that a weight loss of 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg) can lower blood pressure. 2, exercise Patients with hypertension and diabetes should make an effort to exercise actively, at least 5 days a week, at least 30 minutes a day. Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and provides many other health benefits. 3.Healthy diet People with diabetes should monitor their diet closely to maintain blood sugar levels, in addition to limiting salt intake in the diet and avoiding adding salt to food to help maintain blood pressure levels. 4. Drink alcohol in moderation Reducing alcohol intake can help control high blood pressure. Consuming too much alcohol can cause blood pressure to rise. Reducing excessive alcohol consumption to the recommended amount can reduce the risk of hypertension. According to the U.S. Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women should drink no more than 3 standard glasses of alcohol per day (1 standard glass is a drink containing 18 milliliters of alcohol) or no more than 7 glasses a week. Men should drink no more than 4 drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. 5. Do not smoke Lifestyle factors are the best way to reduce the risk of hypertension and maintain normal blood pressure. There is substantial evidence that controlling blood pressure in people with diabetes reduces the risk of complications. A British study followed 1,148 people with diabetes for several years. Participants with well-controlled blood pressure had a significantly lower risk of dying from diabetes, hypertension, or complications related to both. The nicotine in tobacco raises blood pressure and heart rate, and also increases heart stress and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Smoking combined with diabetes carries a higher risk of serious complications, including: 1. heart or kidney disease 2. retinopathy, an eye disease that can lead to blindness 3. poor blood flow to the legs and feet, which can lead to infection or even amputation 4. peripheral neuropathy, or nerve pain in the upper and lower extremities Therefore, smokers should make an effort to quit. Medication: For diabetic patients, in addition to lifestyle changes, antihypertensive medication is recommended if blood pressure is consistently higher than 140/90 mmHg. Most patients with hypertension require lifelong antihypertensive medication. The only exceptions are some patients whose blood pressure can be well controlled over time due to major lifestyle changes, such as successful weight loss, sustained exercise, or after a significant reduction in alcohol consumption.