Blood Pressure & Diabetes

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls remains too high.

Because hypertension frequently does not cause noticeable symptoms, routine blood pressure checks are important. If left uncontrolled, it can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular complications.

Management depends on your blood pressure readings and overall cardiovascular risk. Your physician may recommend changes such as:

• Regular physical activity
• Weight management
• Reducing excess sodium
• Heart-healthy nutrition
• Limiting alcohol
• Smoking cessation
• Medication when appropriate

Regular monitoring helps determine whether your treatment plan is working.

Diabetes affects the body's ability to regulate blood glucose. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce adequate insulin because of an autoimmune process, while Type 2 diabetes is characterized primarily by insulin resistance.

Prediabetes means blood glucose levels are elevated but have not yet reached the range used to diagnose diabetes.

Lifestyle changes—including weight management, physical activity, and dietary improvements—can play an important role in reducing progression to Type 2 diabetes for many patients.

Treatment depends on the type of diabetes, your blood sugar levels, other medical conditions, and your overall health.

Care may include:

• Blood glucose monitoring
• Nutrition and physical activity changes
• Weight management
• Oral or injectable medications when appropriate
• Insulin when required
• Routine laboratory testing
• Monitoring for diabetes-related complications

When specialist care is needed, your primary care physician can also help coordinate treatment with an endocrinologist or other healthcare providers.