High blood pressure and diabetes are two health conditions that are increasingly concerning doctors and healthcare professionals around the world.
Because both are asymptomatic, many consider them silent villains of health, since when an individual shows symptoms, the clinical condition is already more serious.
Studies show that millions of people around the world suffer from these two conditions.
And the health risk increases even more when the patient has high blood pressure and diabetes.
And the numbers have increased exponentially, largely due to the lifestyle people have, with physical inactivity and poor diet being some of the main risk factors.
This dangerous combination mainly affects people over 60 years old, who are at greater risk of serious complications.
For this and other reasons, it is very important to address this topic to raise awareness among the population.
In today’s article, we will explore the risks of this dangerous combination. Keep reading to learn more!
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure occurs when levels are above 140 x 90 mmHg. To identify this problem, it is necessary to take two or more readings, along with additional tests such as an electrocardiogram, urinalysis, and cholesterol tests.
If the diagnosed individual does not follow the proper treatment, they may face serious health complications. Therefore, it is crucial to strictly follow medical recommendations and the prescribed treatment.
What is diabetes?
This disease is characterized by increased blood sugar levels, caused by the absence or alteration of insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas.
Insulin has the function of controlling the entry of glucose into the body’s cells, and so, when a failure occurs, a buildup of glucose is generated.
The link between high blood pressure and diabetes
As mentioned above, there are some common risk factors between both. In addition, one of them can directly contribute to the worsening or onset of the other.
Diabetes can cause the onset of hypertension because insulin resistance makes it harder for cells to access glucose from the bloodstream. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, causing hardening of the arteries and increased blood pressure.
Diabetic patients are also more likely to suffer from kidney problems. Therefore, poor kidney function, which is responsible for filtering the blood, can raise blood pressure.
In addition, diabetic patients experience faster oxidation of blood vessels due to high blood sugar levels. Because of this, the arteries can become clogged more easily.
Unfortunately, however, the relationship between these two conditions does not end there. Hypertension can also be a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.
This is largely due to the fact that the causes for both diseases to appear in the body are similar.
Therefore, it is always important to emphasize that awareness and prevention are important tools. When there are changes in habits, it is possible to reduce the risk of suffering from some of these diseases.
Therefore, healthcare professionals work hard so that the population is informed and aware of how to adopt healthy habits.
It is also important for the patient to have an early diagnosis, because if these diseases are not properly treated, they can bring serious health complications, affecting organs such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes.
Risk factors
It is important to know the risk factors for both conditions. See below:
- Excess weight;
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Excessive salt intake;
- Poor eating habits.
Foods for Hypertension and Diabetics
Diet can be a great way to prevent and treat both conditions. If the person has proper medical follow-up, uses the prescribed medications, and adopts new healthy habits, they can achieve a better quality of life and keep both diseases under control.
Therefore, there are foods that can contribute to or even worsen your clinical condition. Check them out below:
Foods that should be avoided
- Foods rich in sodium: ketchup, soy sauce, ham, mortadella;
- Foods with trans and saturated fats: margarines, cookies, cakes, fatty meats;
- Canned vegetables: olives, hearts of palm, corn, peas;
- Processed and frozen foods.
Foods that should be consumed
- Omega 3: cold-water fish, such as sardines and tuna;
- Legumes: lentils, beans, chickpeas;
- Avocado, olive oil, nuts.
Healthy habits that help prevent and treat hypertension and diabetes
- Practice some physical activity regularly;
- Control sodium (salt) intake;
- Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages;
- Reduce stress levels;
- Sleep well.
