|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Relationship Between Diabetes & Hypertension

Obesity is an increasing problem in the United States, among both children and adults. In nearly every state, 20 percent or more of adults can be classified as obese, and as a result, many individuals suffer from health problems associated with weight. One health problem that often goes hand in hand with obesity is diabetes, which affects more than 20 million people in the United States. There is a significant relationship between this disease and hypertension.

  1. Definitions

    • Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes insulin resistant. It can occur as a result of another disease, or it can develop over time because of genetics or poor diet. Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure is high. It can be caused by genetics and diet, as well as stress. Hypertension is associated with significant health problems such as stroke and heart attack.

    Statistical Relationship

    • Statistically speaking, individuals with diabetes are at a much greater risk for developing hypertension than are individuals who do not have diabetes. Hypertension is twice as common in those with diabetes than in nondiabetic individuals.

    Physical Relationship/Cause

    • It is theorized that diabetes raises the risk of hypertension because diabetes causes hyperinsulinemia. This condition increases the amount of sodium the body absorbs. It also promotes the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. This is thought to cause changes in blood vessel structure, which affects the function of the heart and blood pressure. Vascular problems that occur as a result of diabetes are made worse when blood pressure is elevated from other sources such as poor diet or lack of exercise.

    Obesity

    • Metabolism is related to obesity, which is related to diabetes, which is related to hypertension. Reducing your weight can often lower blood pressure. This lowering of hypertension symptoms is associated with a decrease in the symptoms of diabetes. An individual thus can treat diabetes by treating their hypertension and vice versa.

    Treatments

    • There are several ways to address hypertension and diabetes. Diet is by far the easiest. Eating a well-balanced diet low in sodium is beneficial for the reduction of symptoms of both conditions. Diabetes and hypertension both can be treated through medications, as well. Exercise is also recommended, as it affects metabolic rates that affect diabetes symptoms and results in weight loss that can lower blood pressure levels.

Diabetes - Related Articles