Diabetes and Hypertension

Many individuals with diabetes fail to realize that their disease can actually cause a number of other illnesses, ailments, and medical complications. Diabetic patients are twice as likely to suffer from hypertension as any other group of the general population. While many people blame the high incidence of hypertension in diabetics on obesity, the fact of the matter is that many other factors such as insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance may actually be the cause. Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often not a disorder that is taken seriously enough by patients. It is necessary for any diabetic to understand exactly why hypertension can be extremely detrimental to their health.

One common complication associated with the presence of hypertension in a diabetic patient is renal disease. Diabetic patients are much more at risk of renal disease or permanent impairment if they have blood pressure that is not appropriately controlled, and some of these individuals may even require dialysis if their complications are not caught in time.

Another common complication of hypertension is increased risk of eye disease. Most diabetics realize that they are significantly at risk of retinopathy and other problems that may affect their vision. Hypertension often causes glaucoma in patients with diabetes and some extreme cases even lead to partial of complete blindness.

One of the more troubling complications of hypertension in diabetes is the greatly increased risk of CVA's, or strokes. Not only is the incidence of strokes much higher, but the unfortunate truth is that the survival rates are substantially decreased. In addition, recovery may be much harder and more permanent negative disabilities may result.

Perhaps the worst complication of hypertension is cardiac disease. Diabetics with hypertension are at a significant risk of suffering from some type of coronary artery disease. In addition, congestive heart failure is also commonly found in patients with both diabetes and hypertension. Increased vascular diseases can also cause patients with both diabetes and hypertension to require amputations or severe ulcers within the lower extremities and feet.

The good news for patients suffering from both diabetes and hypertension is that there are appropriate treatments for individuals with their specific circumstances. Such treatments may include a special diet, exercise regimen, or even medications designed to combat high blood pressure. Diabetics should contact their endocrinologist or family physician for further guidance on avoiding unnecessary complications that can greatly and negatively impact their health.

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