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It’s known that hypertension itself significantly increases these risks, too. Unfortunately, the two diseases often go hand-in-hand and more then two-thirds of people diabetics also suffer from high blood pressure, HBP. As a result they have a compounded risk of various medical conditions.

LifeWire – It’s common that people with diabetes with all the attention paid to blood glucose level overlook closely associated medical condition – Hypertension.

A Lower Blood Pressure Goal for People with Diabetes

Health care providers usually recommend diabetics will keep their blood pressure, BP, even lower than most adults under 130/80 mm/Hg. According to the recommendations of Diabetes Association (ADA) people with diabetes should get their BP checked at least two to four times per year.

Lifestyle Changes for High Blood Pressure Control

The only good thing about diabetes is that the lifestyle changes to help control HBP and diabetes are pretty much the same. Additionally these help control blood cholesterol levels, too.

• Diet

The recommended diet for people with diabetes include: a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lower-fat proteins (dairy, fish and nuts), and unsaturated fats. Since carbohydrates can contribute to the elevated blood sugar level attention must also be paid to carbohydrate consumption. But, all over, this is the same basic diet that is effective for diabetes management.

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet plan recommended for controlling HBP puts the same emphasis on fresh and low fat food choices. Additionally it also limits sodium consumption to only 2,400 milligrams per day. That way the DASH diet help in controlling both diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Exercise

The required modifications in lifestyle recommended for diabetes pretty much similar to those for hypertension. A brisk walk for 30 minutes for five days per week can help manage and reduce risk for both conditions.

• Weight Control

Excess weight and obesity significantly raises the risk for both diabetes and hypertension. Achieve calorie balance – if you take in the less number of calories a day that you usually burn to maintain a daily activities will help you lose the extra pounds and achieve your optimal weight. This will help control both conditions.

• No Smoking

Smoking is a powerful risk factor for heart disease — and both diabetes and HBP raise the risk of developing heart disease – if you are diagnosed as diabetic, it’s crucial to stop smoking as soon as possible.

Medications May Be Required

Although these lifestyle changes help vast majority of people control high blood pressure and/or diabetes, in some cases even the most sincere efforts at lifestyle modification won’t be enough to take control of your blood pressure. In such cases, your doctor may recommend taking medications.

According the long experience in treating HBP and diabetes it’s have found that most diabetics have to take more than one medication to control high blood pressure.