Arterial Hypertension and Diabetes – Risk Factors and Tips from Tsira Gunjua

Arterial hypertension and diabetes share many common causes (primarily obesity) and risk factors. A patient diagnosed with one of these conditions is at high risk of developing the other. When hypertension and diabetes coexist, they exacerbate each other’s effects.

Arterial hypertension is present in two-thirds of people with diabetes, and it is important to note that these individuals have twice the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to patients with hypertension alone.

People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin (a hormone the body uses to absorb glucose) or their tissues have decreased sensitivity to insulin. As blood glucose levels rise, insulin levels also increase, forcing the body to retain fluid and salt. At the same time, unabsorbed glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, damaging blood vessels, leading to vessel wall hardening and kidney damage. These factors significantly increase the likelihood of developing arterial hypertension.

The combination of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can greatly increase the risk of heart attacks. The coexistence of diabetes and high blood pressure also raises the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease and retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the retina). Since brain blood vessels are particularly sensitive to high blood pressure, chronic hypertension can contribute to the early onset of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and strokes.

Diabetes disrupts metabolic processes, leading to complications such as:

• Macroangiopathy – Blood vessel damage that manifests as cardiovascular diseases, increased risk of heart attacks, and frequent disturbances in cerebral circulation, leading to strokes.
• Neuropathy – A complication that affects the nervous system, including diabetic encephalopathy.
• Nephropathy – A complication involving kidney function impairment.
• Retinopathy – Changes in the blood vessels of the retina, affecting vision.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Diabetes and Hypertension Complications

Lifestyle modifications significantly reduce complications of diabetes and hypertension, including:

• Maintaining a balanced diet at regular intervals (even minor weight loss reduces risk factors).
• Regular physical activity.
• Avoiding harmful habits (such as smoking and alcohol consumption).
• Reducing fat intake in the diet.
• Limiting salt intake to 5 grams per day.
• Fostering positive emotions, which can yield remarkable results.

For most patients with diabetes, blood pressure should not exceed 130/80 mmHg. Therefore, to maintain stable health, doctors often prescribe antihypertensive medications as part of the treatment plan.

Individualized Care at Caucasus Medical Center

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