VIDEO
Diabetes and the effects of high blood pressure
Diabetes
I have had diabetes for some years. I understand I’m at greater risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. What are the recommended treatments for somebody with diabetes and high BP?
Mortality from cardiovascular disease is increased two- or three-fold in people with both hypertension and diabetes Hypertension with other problems compared to those in the general population. For this reason, the combination of diabetes and hypertension has been labeled as ‘double jeopardy’. There have been many studies that have shown that ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and low-dose thiazide diuretics are effective in reducing this risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke.
If you have diabetes and high BP you will be seen as having combined risk factors and you will be told that control of your blood sugar and BP levels is very important. Your treatment will be intensified so that you reach your target BP, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that treatment should be aimed at lowering BP to below 130/80 mmHg, total cholesterol to less than 5 mmol/litre and glycosylated haemoglobin (long-acting sugar level indicator) to below 5%.
Whether an ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker or low-dose thiazide diuretic is used in the treatment of your raised BP alongside your diabetes is not important. These drugs have produced equivalent results in clinical studies.
