Diabetic Hypertension - How To Manage It?

Hypertension is commonly witnessed among patients suffering from type 2 diabetes as compared to those who do not have diabetes. Studies have revealed that arterial hypertension among patients suffering from type 2 diabetes is in the vicinity of 40-50 percent. What’s more, a patient suffering from hypertension and diabetes has an increased risk factor for certain other diseases such as left ventricular hypertrophy, dyslipidemia, elevated fibrinogen and hyperuricemia.

The measurement practice:
It is important to measure blood pressure in a person who is suffering from type 2 diabetes with or without hypertension and renal diseases. Blood pressure measurement should be repeated within a month, if the measurement is 150/190 mm Hg. BP should be measured within a couple, of months if BP is greater than 140/80 mm of Hg.

Lifestyle practices:
If a person is consistently suffering from type 2 diabetes and has a BP range of 140/80, the following life style practices should be maintained always:

1. A daily exercise schedule: Hypertension coupled with diabetes can be a dangerous combination. To ensure that a person remains healthy it is imperative to maintain a daily exercise schedule for at least half an hour. Exercise consumes extra calories and helps a person maintain a steady blood-sugar level.
2. Food habits: Food habit is yet another important criterion to maintain good health for a person suffering from diabetic hypertension. Avoiding starch, glucose, and food with high carbs should be a mandate. Refraining from processed food with a high density of condensed fat, sugar and oil will go a long way in maintaining good health. Consulting a nutritionist is the best way to go.
3. Stress is yet another factor that drives diabetic hypertension: A person suffering from regular stress has a greater tendency to fall prey to cardiovascular and renal diseases. The only way to stay away from stress is to ensure that good lifestyle choice are made. A stress -free life can pay rich dividends to a person suffering from diabetic hypertension.

Drug treatment:
A doctor’s first line of treatment hovers around ACE inhibitors. A pregnant woman suffering from diabetic hypertension is typically prescribed a calcium blocker. This is an antihypertensive drug that helps to stabilize the pregnancy and keep complications at bay. For a person who is resisting to ACE Inhibitor, a doctor might subscribe angiotensin 2 receptor. If the BP is not reduced after the first line of treatment, a doctor adds a thiazide-related diuretic along with the ACE inhibitor to expedite the treatment process.

Even after a triple therapy if a person continues to suffer from high blood pressure, a doctor might prescribe an alpha-blocker, potassium blocker or a beta blocker.