Diabetes is a disease that affects the effectiveness of insulin in converting glucose into energy. This can cause things such as high or low Blood sugar levels. Normally, people with diabetes have to take medications in order to keep their blood sugar levels inside of their target range.

There are some related conditions to diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, ADA, 2 out of every 3 people with diabetes report having high Blood Pressure or they are currently on medication in an attempt to lower their blood pressure (ADA, 2014).

Just like diabetes is an epidemic running through this country, high blood pressure is also a serious medical condition running rampant. Currently, 1 out of every 3 people have high blood pressure inside of the United States.

The ADA states, “your heart has to work harder when blood pressure is high, and your risk for heart disease, stroke and other problems goes up” (ADA, 2014). People with diabetes also have similar risks involved with high blood pressure. That is why we need to take it seriously.

We have to treat high blood pressure with prescribed medications by doctors and with healthy lifestyle choices.

There are several ways that we can reduce our risk for high blood pressure. The first step is to have solid communication with your doctor. If you stay in great contact and make an efficient plan that you will commit to following, then you are more likely to see more success.

It is also wise to eat whole-grains instead of other options, such as white bread. Not only will this help you to lower your blood pressure, but it can also help you to manage your blood sugar. Therefore, this is a very important move.

The ADA suggests that you use herbs and spices to add some zest to your food. This will help you to turn away from salt and assist you with maintaining your sodium limit under 1500 mg per day.

It is also suggested to do your best to cut excess body fat and lose weight. It is suggested to lose between 5% to 7% of your body fat. This will help you lower blood sugar and a lot of risks associated with diabetes.

Don’t smoke. It is easier said than done. Talk to a medical provider for help. Talk to your family for help. Do whatever you can to take the steps to succeed in quitting.

Discuss with your doctor if it is safe to drink alcohol. Do not drink more than 1 alcoholic beverage per day. However, I would suggest cutting it out completely if possible. You do not have to go to this extreme, but it can help in many ways.

Finally, discuss with your doctor if you need to take medications.

Overall, this topic always comes back around to discussing a plan with your doctor. If you do not take that first step, then it is going to be difficult to move forward. Just know that you are not alone. You have several people that are in this fight with you, supporting you every step of the way.

Bibliography

American Diabetes Association. (2014). High blood pressure. American Diabetes Association. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/lower-your-risk/bloodpressure.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

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