The Risks Involved With Blood Pressure Medication for Diabetics

Blood Pressure Medication for Diabetics - The Risks Involved


If your blood pressure is on the higher level and you are also diabetic then there is a need to be more careful as compared to other people who have to manage only high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is a silent killer that does not manifest in unique symptoms. It is only when a doctor or health care provider checks the blood pressure does this condition surface.

At the first signs of an increased level of blood pressure, your doctor is likely to recommend some natural remedies for high blood pressure such as loosing weight, exercising, curbing salt intake, quitting smoking and diet modifications. If your doctor thinks it proper, he may prescribe some high blood pressure medication as well. Most doctors are extra vigilant in such cases since diabetics who are hypertensive are at an increased risk of developing serious complications. Keeping track of your blood pressure if you are diabetic is more important because high blood pressure overexerts the kidneys, heart and the arteries. The blood pressure needs to be checked at every visit to the doctor, which also needs to be fairly regular.

Consistent high blood pressure can damage the small vessels of the kidneys that function as filters. Kidneys are already at risk of damage due to the high blood sugar in diabetic patients. This double risk to an already strangled organ can result in organ failure.

Diabetes coupled with hypertension also poses an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Diabetes can further narrow the blood vessels with atherosclerosis, a stage of arteriosclerosis involving fatty deposits inside the arterial walls. Because of this, the American Diabetes Association recommends a blood pressure lower than 130/80 mmHg for reducing the health risks associated with high blood sugar.

As a diabetic you are more likely to be making regular trips to the clinic. The chances of an early detection of increasing blood pressure are greater than others. Natural remedies for high blood pressure like lifestyle changes will not only help you in controlling your blood pressure but also help in keeping a check on blood sugar and lipids (cholesterol) levels.

Your doctor has a selection of high blood pressure medications to choose from. He can choose angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels by preventing a hormone called angiotensin, which narrows blood vessels. ARB’s help in keeping the blood vessels open and relaxed. These medications can also protect the kidneys.

If you have diabetes and blood pressure at the same time a heart attack or a stroke can be avoided by taking the following measures:

Keep your blood pressure in check.
Manage your blood sugar level.
Do not let your cholesterol and triglycerides increase.
Follow a healthy and natural lifestyle.
Deliberate taking medications and discuss with your doctor a treatment plan considering that you are diabetic as well.