What Is a Good Blood Pressure for a Diabetic?

While managing blood pressure remains important for anyone, it is especially important for diabetics because high blood pressure can increase risks of diabetes complications. You can do several things to maintain normal blood pressure with diabetes.

Blood Pressure Goals

• While most doctors shoot for blood pressure readings of 140/90 or lower, diabetics should aim for 130/80 or lower.

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

• Diabetics must become vigilant about monitoring their blood pressure. Due to its negative impact on the arteries, diabetes increases the risk of hypertension. In turn, high blood pressure increases the risks of diabetes complications like kidney disease and diabetic eye conditions.

Treating High Blood Pressure in Diabetics

• The following medications have proven particularly beneficial for diabetics. ACE inhibitors not only lower blood pressure but can prevent or slow progression of kidney disease, a common complication of diabetes. Diabetics also typically use diuretics which excrete excess sodium from the body.

Dietary Suggestions

• The American Diabetes Association recommends the following for managing blood pressure. Eat fruit every meal and one to two servings of vegetables at lunch and dinner. Check packages and eat foods with fewer than 400 mg of sodium per serving. Experiment with different herbs and spices rather than salt.

Lifestyle

• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Do not smoke and drink in moderation if at all. These things will also positively impact your blood sugar.