Can you solve Divabetic’s Mystery Phrase #33? Our phrase is measured by the force that pushes on the walls of your blood vessels as they carry blood and oxygen to your organs (systolic pressure) and the force that’s created when your heart rests between beats (diastolic pressure).
Do you know what Divabetic’s Mystery Phrase #33 is?
Diabetes damages arteries and makes them targets for hardening, called atherosclerosis. That can cause high blood pressure, which if not treated, can lead to trouble including blood vessel damage, heart attack, and kidney failure.
There are several ways in which high blood sugar levels in the blood can increase blood pressure:
- The blood vessels lose their ability to stretch.
- The fluid in the body increases, especially if diabetes is already affecting the kidneys.
- Insulin resistance may involve processes that increase the risk of hypertension.
In 2012, researchers quoted figures suggesting that 30% of people with type 1 diabetes and 50–80% of those with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure in the United States.
The combination of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can greatly increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
If your blood sugar level is too high, you may experience: increased thirst, frequent urination an fatigue. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) stresses that most of the time there are no symptoms for high blood pressure (also known as hypertension).
People usually find out they have high blood pressure when a doctor takes a blood pressure reading, or they take one themselves at home.
The reading will give two numbers:
- The systolic is the top number
- The diastolic is the bottom number
According to the AHA, the results will be one of the following:
- Normal: Systolic below 120 and diastolic below 80
- Elevated: Systolic 120–129 and diastolic under 80
- Hypertension stage 1: Systolic 130–139 and diastolic 80–89
- Hypertension stage 2: Systolic 140-plus and diastolic 90 or more
- Hypertensive crisis: Systolic higher than 180 and diastolic above 120.
What is considered normal blood pressure for people with diabetes?
On the basis of recent studies, most people with diabetes should have a blood pressure that’s more than 130/80 mm.
People with diabetes can help decrease the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease by managing their blood sugar levels.
Here area few effective ways to lower your blood pressure levels:
- Stop smoking
- Increase activity and exercise more
- Lose weight if you’re overweight
- Cut back on sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed foods
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Cooking Party with special guest, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.