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 In the ABCs of Diabetes, 'B' Stands for Blood Pressure
(ARA) - People with diabetes
are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than
people without diabetes. High blood pressure, or hypertension,
means that the force of the blood inside your blood vessels is
too high. High blood pressure makes the heart work too hard and
can increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Hypertension often goes unnoticed.
A recent study found that about 71 percent of people with diabetes
have high blood pressure, and 43 percent were doing nothing to
treat it. Additionally, about one-third didn't even know they
had it.
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There are two numbers associated
with blood pressure: systolic (the bigger number) measures the
pressure as your heart beats and pushes blood; and diastolic
(the smaller number) measures the pressure when your heart rests
between beats.
The American Diabetes Association
recommends lowering systolic blood pressure to below 130. Reducing
your diastolic blood pressure to less than 80 will have the greatest
impact in reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and other
complications. |
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How do you bring your numbers
down?
- If you smoke, quit immediately.
Consult your health care provider if necessary.
- If you are overweight, work
with your health care provider to find a weight-loss program
that fits your lifestyle.
- Ask a dietitian to help you
develop a meal plan. You may need to reduce your salt and alcohol
consumption.
- Make time for excercise. Even
30 minutes of walking a day can lower blood pressure.
- Take medicine. Some blood pressure
medicines have been shown to reduce kidney disease, heart attacks
and stroke. Talk with your health care provider about the best
medicine for you. Often, you may need more than one medicine.
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