Why Consult a Doctor for Hypertension and Diabetes?
Individuals with diabetes are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension. If HBP is not treated on time, it can cause other health issues like heart attack and stroke. A large number of individuals with diabetes use medications to manage their HBP. It is important to consult a doctor for hypertension and diabetes as early as possible to prevent further health complications.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a health condition when the blood sugar level in the body is too high. Blood glucose is an essential energy source, but in excess, it creates many health problems. In healthy individuals, the pancreas makes the insulin hormone that helps glucose reach the cells, where it is used as energy.
In an individual with diabetes, the body does not make insulin in a sufficient amount or is unable to use it properly. In such a condition, glucose cannot reach the cells and stays in the blood. Over time, it becomes a significant health issue as diabetes makes it difficult to treat many health problems. Diabetes can only be managed, and there is no cure for it.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition where the blood pressure remains higher for an extended period of time. The heart pumps blood to all body organs, getting them nutrients and oxygen. The blood supply creates pressure that blood vessels can tolerate in normal conditions.
However, when the vessels become constricted or damaged, the heart has to pump blood at greater force to get it to all organs. With increased resistance in the arteries, the blood cannot circulate normally, and the heart has to pump it harder. This condition increases the risks of heart attack and stroke.
The Connection between Hypertension and Diabetes
The risk of coronary issues is higher in individuals with diabetes. They are twice as likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than those with hypertension without diabetes. Diabetic hypertensive patients face a higher risk of diabetes-related complications, including nephropathy and retinopathy.
Hypertension and diabetes share some common causes:
- Increased calorie intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Insulin resistance
- Overweight
- Oxidative stress
How Diabetes Worsens Hypertension?
In diabetes, glucose received from food is not converted into energy and remains in the blood longer, causing health complications. High level of glucose in the blood for a long period damages organs and tissues, including those responsible for maintaining normal blood pressure. Damaged kidneys and blood vessels increase blood pressure.
It works the other way as well. Individuals with hypertension have insulin resistance that increases their risk of developing diabetes. Those who have normal blood pressure face a lower risk of developing diabetes.
Obesity, inflammation, damaged blood vessels, an overactive immune system, and oxidative stress are some conditions that link hypertension with diabetes. While HBP may not cause diabetes, it increases the risk of developing one.
An individual with both hypertension and diabetes faces increased health complications. Some of these risks include:
- Kidney disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Eye problems
Effective management of blood pressure and blood sugar prevents such complications.
The Doctor for Treating Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your physician may refer you to a specialist doctor who can treat your condition. An endocrinologist is a specialist you consult for hormonal issues and can help diabetic patients manage both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
When to Consult a Nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in kidney issues. The risk of kidney disease is higher in people with diabetes – that’s why they’re advised to monitor their kidney function regularly.
The monitoring can be done with the help of a general physician. When the doctor thinks the health issue is deteriorating and requires consultation with a specialist, the patient is referred to a nephrologist.
A Doctor for Hypertension and Diabetes
High blood pressure does not go away on its own. Doctors initially advise lifestyle changes, and the patients are advised to maintain average body weight for their age, gender, and height. Medication is prescribed in the late stages of HBP.
Individuals with both HBP and diabetes are advised to be proactive in managing their health condition. They have to strive to maintain the target blood pressure and blood sugar. The combination of uncontrolled blood sugar and high blood pressure can create serious health issues, so it is important to consult the doctor as early as possible.
If you are suffering from both hypertension and diabetes, consult a specialist doctor to learn more about your health condition and manage these issues better. Dr. Shimon Storch is a nephrology specialist and provides online consultations to individuals diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes.
Book your consultation with Dr. Storch if you are looking for a doctor for hypertension and diabetes. Dr. Storch will prepare a personalized treatment plan for you based on your diagnostic reports. Regular consultation with Dr. Storch will help you lead a normal and healthy life even when you have HBP and diabetes.
