Though not commonly considered, there is a direct link between diabetes and hypertension. Many overlook this fact, because they believe the two to be unrelated. After all, diabetes deals with blood sugar levels and hypertension deals with blood pressure. This misconception is quite false, however. There is an easily proven, easily seen correlation between diabetes and hypertension. It is important to understand this in order to maintain your highest degree of health when faced with either or both of these conditions.

The link between them, to simply explain it, is this: when your body produces more insulin than normal, it can effect certain key points, such as blood vessels found in the kidneys. These vessels can expand with the insulin and begin to retain salt. Your kidneys can malfunction with that. Also, diabetes can cause the vessels to harden. This restricts the flow of fluids and causes blood pressure to rise, resulting in hypertension.

As shown above, having diabetes puts you at high risk for developing hypertension. Hypertension is twice as likely to occur in individuals with diabetes than those without and it will develop in over sixty percent of people with Type II diabetes.

Because of this, it is essential that you understand how to avoid hypertension. Diabetes takes enough of a toll on your body without adding these serious effects. Together, diabetes and hypertension can raise the risk for heart attack, kidney malfunction, heart failure and more. So you must learn the steps to take to avoid hypertension. Discuss this with your doctor and also note some of the basic lifestyle changes listed below:

One: lower your blood pressure with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Meat and dairy products can raise your pressure levels. Try to substitute them with a vegetarian diet. While you do not have to completely cut meat and dairy products out entirely, you should to eat them moderation.

Two: exercise. The easiest way to keep both your blood pressure down and also maintain a healthy insulin level is to exercise. Consult with your doctor to discover your healthy bodyweight and then take the steps to achieve it. Steady, daily exercise will do much for your body.

Three: medication. There are some medications available that could help keep your blood pressure in check. You must, of course, make sure that these will not combat against any other medicine you are taking. Your doctor will be able to prescribe them to you and explain just what they do.

Diabetes and hypertension are related. Yes, it is possible to have one without the other and, yes, there are certainly millions of people who do. That does not change the fact, however, that you are twice as likely to develop high blood pressure when you have diabetes.

It cannot be stressed enough that diabetes and hypertension are linked together and you it pays to do everything you can to stop them both from forming in your body. Of course, some may suggest different types of therapy, along with the lifestyle changes we mentioned above. Techniques such as color therapy are quite popular these days and have sparked much debate over their efficacy. Should you decide to try these methods to replace or compliment your other efforts, it is important to understand the way they work, and to consult with your doctor.