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Main to remember
- High blood pressure occurs when the blood force growing against the walls of the artery is too high. High blood sugar occurs when there is too much sugar (glucose) in the blood circulation.
- High blood sugar and high blood pressure can be closely linked. Have one can increase your risk of developing the other.
- The two conditions share many risk factors. Regularly check your blood sugar and arterial rates if you are at high risk of developing a condition.
Although high blood pressure and high blood sugar are different conditions, they can be closely linked and often share similar risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, inactivity and family history. Having one can increase the risk for the other, so it is important to monitor both if you are in danger.
Blood pressure vs blood sugar: comparison at a glance
| Blood pressure | Blood sugar | |
| What it is | Blood force pushing against the walls of the blood vessels while the heart pumps the blood | Primary energy source of the body of food metabolism |
| Measurement units | Millimeters of mercury (mmhg) | Milligrams by decilitre (MG / DL) |
| Normal beach | 120/80 mmHg | Before a meal: 80–130 mg / dl two hours after a meal: less than 180 mg / dl |
| How it is measured | Two numbers: -Systolic (upper number): pressure when the heart contracts -diatolic (lower number): pressure when the heart is at rest | Measured by blood rates before and after meals |
| What is considered high? | Syleolic: 130 mmHg or more diastolic: 80 mmHg or more | Regular blood sugar levels |
| Causes of high levels | Blood flows through the arteries to higher pressures than normal | Lack of insulin or insulin resistance |
| Health risks | Heart disease, stroke and other heart problems | Diabetes, nerve lesions, kidney problems and other conditions |
| Fluctuation factors | Stress, physical activity, medication and underlying health problems | Diet, drugs, lifestyle and other conditions |
How does high blood pressure affect blood sugar?
Insulin resistance is a common cause of high blood sugar. This happens when the body does not effectively respond to the insulin produced, which means that the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too high. Insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes.
According to research, individuals with high blood pressure (hypertension) often have signs of resistance to insulin. They are more at risk of developing diabetes compared to those with normal blood pressure.
Can high blood sugar cause high blood pressure?
High blood sugar in diabetes can damage blood vessels, making them narrower and rigid, resulting in an increase in blood pressure.
It can also damage the kidneys, which play an important role in regulating blood pressure, and can contribute to hypertension. Hypertension occurs twice as frequently in people with diabetes compared to those who do not have diabetes.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES), 70.8% of people with diabetes aged 18 years or over suffer from hypertension.
According to American Diabetes Association, two in three people with diabetes have high blood pressure or prescription medication to lower their blood pressure.
Common risk factors
The two conditions share certain risk factors, in particular:
- Obesity
- Inflammation
- Sedentary lifestyle (spending a large part of your sitting or lying time)
- Stress
- Diet and eating habits
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Family history of the disease
- Some drugs
How to manage both
The presence of the two conditions can lead to additional health problems, including kidney and heart problems. A person with both diabetes and high blood pressure is four times more likely to develop heart disease or stroke that someone who has no condition.
It is essential to reduce risk factors by modifying your lifestyle and other habits that can contribute to these conditions. This includes:
- Quit smoking
- Eat a balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
You may need to take prescribed drugs to help effectively manage your conditions, especially if you have received a diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes. Talk to your health care provider of the best approach to reduce your blood pressure and blood sugar.
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:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1143660320-d4fce022df38460dafecb1d591013a50.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "What happens to your blood pressure when you have a spoonful of olive oil daily")
