High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol & Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly common, chronic health condition caused by your body's being unable to properly use or make insulin, a hormone that regulates blood-sugar levels. Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, among many other complications.

Cause

• Type 2 diabetes can damage the blood vessels, which can lead to plaque buildup. This buildup reduces the ease of blood flow through your blood vessels, which causes the heart to work harder. This raises your blood pressure and increases cholesterol.

Obesity

• Obesity puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Obesity is caused by too much fat in the body, and foods that are high in saturated fat or trans fat increase plaque buildup.

Medical Treatment

• Oral or injectable insulin medication might be prescribed to lower your blood-sugar (glucose) levels. Your physician might also prescribe blood-thinner medication to lower your risk of blood clots.

Diet

• A healthy diet of fruit, vegetables and lean meat can help maintain blood-sugar levels and lower cholesterol. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and trans fat, as they increase your cholesterol and can raise your blood glucose level.

Prevention

• Weight loss and daily exercise can help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood-glucose level. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week to receive the maximum health benefits.