Diabetes Complications - Is There A Link Between Diabetes And Hypertension?

You are maintaining a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise. You are checking your blood sugar levels and they are within target range. Your A1C is less than 7%.

You are scheduled to see your healthcare provider for your routine visit. You're feeling good.

"Everything looks good, it's just that your blood pressure has risen over the last few months", you're healthcare provider reports, "We are going to have to start you on blood pressure medications."

You're bewildered. How can this be? Everything seemed to be going well. Why have you just been diagnosed with hypertension?

Is there a link between diabetes and hypertension?

The short answer to this question for people living with type 2 diabetes is YES. The link is explained by what clinicians call metabolic syndrome.

I know that this word may mean very little to you. But this information is very important for anyone living with type 2 diabetes. I am going to explain what this means in as simple terms as possible.

It is my intention that the knowledge is presented in an easy to understand format. That way you are better able to take action. It is only by taking action that you can live powerfully with diabetes.

So let's dive right back into what is metabolic syndrome and how it links diabetes and hypertension.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a group of characteristics. It is not really medical illness. The important thing is that these characteristics put you at an increased risk for developing certain diseases.

These diseases include type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Metabolic syndrome is also called metabolic X syndrome, syndrome X and also insulin resistance syndrome.

Most clinical experts define metabolic syndrome as having three or more of any of the following:

Obesity in the abdomen. Greater than 32 inches in women and 38 inches in men.High fasting blood sugar levels more than 100-125 mg/dlA high blood pressure of more than 130/85 mm hg or if you are taking blood pressure medication.A high triglyceride level of more than 150 mg/dl or a low HDL level of less than 40 mg/dl.

The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome.

More than 2/3rd of the adult American population is either overweight or obese. The number of people with metabolic syndrome has risen just as the obesity epidemic in this country. Currently that rate is at 34% of the adult population.

The following factors put you at risk for developing metabolic syndrome:

Being overweight. In other words a BMI of more than 25.SmokingEating a diet that is high in carbohydratesSmokingLack of exerciseMenopauseFamily history of diabetes or metabolic syndrome.Increasing age.

What health risks are associated with Metabolic Syndrome?

People with metabolic syndrome are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
They are also at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease consists of several diseases. I like to compare the cardiovascular system to the plumbing system in your house. Your symptoms depend on what part of the arteries gets clogged up. Cholesterol gets deposited in the arteries as fatty plaques. When the arteries in the heart get clogged up with plaque, this is called coronary artery disease. If the plaque collects in the blood vessels in the brain, it is called cerebrovascular disease and can cause a stroke.

How is Metabolic Syndrome diagnosed?

Schedule an annual physical exam with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will check your weight and calculate your BMI.

If you are overweight or obese, be sure to get your waist measurement taken. Most healthcare offices should have a tape measure, if not you can easily check your waist measurement at home.

You will get also get blood tests done. These will include your fasting lipid profile and also your blood sugar.

It's always a good idea to schedule an appointment for your annual physical first thing in the morning. That way, you can go in fasting- without having eaten anything.

Please do not to take your medications if you do not eat. This will reduce your risk for hypoglycemia.

Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome:

The goal of the treatment for metabolic syndrome is to reduce the complications that it can lead to - such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The primary goal is weight loss. Become more physically active. And eat a healthy diet. This is what a wellness way of life is all about.

This will help to reduce your cholesterol and also keep your blood sugars in target range.

If you smoke, make a commitment to quit smoking.

High blood pressure is when your blood pressure is more than 140/90 mmhg. It is diagnosed after your healthcare provider has obtained more than 3 readings of an elevated blood pressure.

When diet and exercise fail to bring the blood pressure down to normal range, your healthcare provider will opt to start you on medications.

So there you have it. The link between diabetes and hypertension is metabolic syndrome. And it is because of this link that a lot of people with type 2 diabetes inevitably end up on blood pressure medications also.

The goal is to control or reduce your risk for metabolic syndrome and reduce your risk of complications of diabetes.