Sugar Goes Straight To Your Blood Pressure
TIME Health For more, visit TIME Health. Eating too much sugar can lead to obesity, and weight gain can contribute to high blood pressureâthatâs been known for years now. But the latest research shows that the sweet stuff can affect blood pressure in an entirely different way, independent of its effect on weight. Scientists from University of Otago in New Zealand reviewed several randomized controlled trials that looked at sugarâs effect on blood pressure, and concluded that not only does sugar help pack on the pounds, but it independently impacts blood pressure and lipids. The study is one of the first to connect this one-two punch from sugar among people eating average dietsâthe participants were not provided measured amounts of sugar by the researchers but rather reported on how much sugar they consumed as part of their daily diet. Itâs easy to underestimate how much sugar we eat, since it can hide in processed foods and add up. âAlthough the effects of sugars on blood pressure and lipids are relatively modest, our findings support public health recommendations to reduce added sugar in our diets as one of the measures which might be expected to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases,â said lead study author Dr. Lisa Te Morenga in a statement. The findings are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.Continue reading > >
For Low Blood Pressure
A lower than normal blood pressure reading, without other symptoms, may not be a cause for concern.
However, if you have low blood pressure readings along with other symptoms, its important to get medical care.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness
- nausea
Also remember that you can get water from some food sources, particularly fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, follow the tips below to help yourself stay hydrated:
- Always drink when you feel thirsty. Feeling thirsty is your bodys way of telling you that you need more fluids.
- Remember to drink more water when youre being physically active, in a hot climate, or ill with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Carry a water bottle with you as you go about your daily activities. That way youll always have water on hand.
- Choose water instead of sugary sodas, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, or alcoholic drinks.
Salt And Stress Can Affect Your Levelsbut So Can Certain Foods Drugs And Drinks
People who monitor their blood pressure generally know the common factors that can cause their blood pressure to rise such as stress and excessive salt intake.
But some habits also can play a role, and undermine efforts to lower high blood pressure, or hypertension, a health condition that affects nearly half of adults in the United States.
May, National High Blood Pressure Education Month, is the perfect time to learn more about the factors that can cause a spike in blood pressure.
Here are 6 surprising factors that can send blood pressure levels soaring and can lead to other devastating health conditions.
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Stick To Unprocessed Foods
Packaged and processed foods can hide a lot of sugar. Shop the outside of the grocery store, and try to swap out pre-packaged foods with fresh ingredients, and make meals at home versus eating out. For example, replace a meal of canned soup with healthy home-cooked chili that can leave you with plenty of leftovers for the week ahead.
Changing eating habits takes time, but the benefits of lowering sugar intake are well-documented. Making a few small changes in your diet can leave you at a lower risk for some of the nations biggest killers, and can lead to healthier, heart-happy life.
How Common Is High Blood Pressure In People With Diabetes
In the UK, about 1 in 4 of people have high blood pressure . It is less common in younger adults. High blood pressure is more common in people with diabetes. Around 3 in 10 people with type 1 diabetes and around 8 in 10 people with type 2 diabetes develop high blood pressure at some stage.
People with diabetes are more at risk of developing high blood pressure if they:
- Are of African-Caribbean origin.
- Eat a lot of salt.
- Do not eat much fruit and vegetables.
- Do not take much exercise.
- Drink a lot of alcohol.
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How Do You Decide What To Take
Even though these medicines can raise your blood sugar, it doesnât mean that you shouldnât take them if you need them. The most important thing is to work with your doctor on the right way to use them.
If you have diabetes or youâre watching your blood sugar, ask your doctor before you take new medicines or change any medicines, even if itâs just something for a cough or cold.
Make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you take — for diabetes or any other reason. If one of them may affect your blood sugar, they may prescribe a lower dose or tell you to take the medicine for a shorter time. You may need to check your blood sugar more often while youâre taking the medicine, too.
Also, remember to do the things you know will help keep your levels under control. Exercise, eat right, and take any diabetes medicines that you need.
American Diabetes Association: âFactors Affecting Blood Glucose.â
CDC: Basics About Diabetes, âWhat is diabetes?â
Diatribe: âHow many factors actually affect blood glucose?â
Diabetes Forecast: âMedications That Raise Blood Glucose,â âOver-the-Counter Meds that Raise Blood Sugar.â
NPS Medicinewise: âMedicines that affect blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.â
National Institutes of Health AIDS info: âHIV and Diabetes.â
UIC Center on Psychiatric Disability and Co-Occurring Medical Conditions: âPsychiatric Meds & Diabetes.â
Mayo Clinic: âNiacin .â
Diabetes And High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is twice as likely to strike a person with diabetes than a person without diabetes. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke. In fact, a person with diabetes and high blood pressure is four times as likely to develop heart disease than someone who does not have either of the conditions. About two-thirds of adults with diabetes have blood pressure greater than 130/80 mm Hg or use prescription medications for hypertension.
The Brain Connection
Hypertension in midlife could affect late-life thinking skills. Discover what Johns Hopkins researchers know about the connection, plus ways to keep your blood pressure under control and your brain at its best.
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How Do Health Problems From Diabetes Begin
If your diabetes is not well controlled, the sugar level in your blood goes up. This is called hyperglycemia . High blood sugar can cause damage to very small blood vessels in your body. Imagine what happens to sugar when it is left unwrapped overnight. It gets sticky. Now imagine how sugar sticks to your small blood vessels and makes it hard for blood to get to your organs. Damage to blood vessels occurs most often in the eyes, heart, nerves, feet, and kidneys. Lets look at how this damage happens.
What Is High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. Each time the heart beats, it is pumping blood into these arteries, resulting in the highest blood pressure when the heart contracts and is pumping the blood. High blood pressure, or hypertension, directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke . With high blood pressure, the arteries may have an increased resistance against the flow of blood, causing the heart to pump harder to circulate the blood.
Two numbers are used to measure blood pressure. The number on the top, the systolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts and is pumping the blood through the body. The number on the bottom, the diastolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is at rest and is filling with blood. Both the systolic and diastolic pressures are recorded as “mm Hg” .According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health , high blood pressure for adults is defined as:
-
140 mm Hg or greater systolic pressure and
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90 mm Hg or greater diastolic pressure
NHLBI guidelines for prehypertension are:
-
120 mm Hg 139 mm Hg systolic pressure and
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80 mm Hg 89 mm Hg diastolic pressure
NHLBI guidelines define normal blood pressure as follows:
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Less than 120 mm Hg systolic pressure and
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Less than 80 mm Hg diastolic pressure
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People With Diabetes And High Blood Pressure Are More At Risk Of Having A Heart Attack Or Stroke So It’s Important To Know How To Look After Your Blood Pressure
If you have diabetes, you need your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional at least once a year. This check is part of your annual review.
If your blood pressure is high , youll need treatment to bring it down. This is because it puts a strain on your blood vessels and can damage them. This can make it harder for blood to flow around the body and reach all the vital areas it needs to, like your heart. And youre more at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It also puts you more at risk of developing all types of diabetes complications, like serious problems with your feet, your eyes and your kidneys.
Theres lots to help manage your blood pressure because your lifestyle has a direct impact. But lots of people also need to take medication to treat high blood pressure and reduce the risk complications.
Its really important to know that you might have high blood pressure and feel fine, because there arent usually any symptoms. But even if you feel healthy, high blood pressure is damaging your blood vessels and you need to get treatment. Thats why you should never miss a blood pressure check its a free test and takes two minutes.
Does Low Blood Sugar Cause High Blood Pressure In Diabetics
Its clear that uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of hypertension . Even about 2 out of 3 people with diabetes experience hypertension in their life. How about low blood sugar . Does it also have a contribution to cause high blood pressure?
The treatment of diabetes itself is more focused to control the level of blood glucose, particularly to make sure that it doesnt increase higher than normal. In essence, the major goal of the treatment is to maintain the blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. However there is always a chance for episodes of hypoglycemia to occur in diabetics.
Episodes of low blood sugar in diabetics
As well we know, there are two major types of diabetes type-1 and type-2.
In general, type-1 is a condition of when the pancreas is much less productive in producing hormone insulin than type-2. Even some people with type-1 have pancreas that is not able to make any insulin. This is the reason of why most people with type-1 need to take insulin replacement.
Unfortunately, there are also pros and cons of taking insulin in diabetics. While it can be help provide adequate insulin for blood sugar control, sometimes it also increases the risk of hypoglycemia particularly if taken improperly.
Therefore if compared with type-2, episodes of hypoglycemia is relatively more common in type-1!
What actually is your blood pressure?
When you check the pressure, you will find 2 different numbers from the result of the test.
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Oral Health And Diabetes
People with poorly managed diabetes are at increased risk of tooth decay and gum infections. This is because the small blood vessels that help nourish your teeth and gums can become damaged. Poor oral care can cause the gums to become inflamed and loosen around your teeth. It’s also strongly linked with an increased risk of heart disease.To reduce your risk of teeth and gum problems:
- See your dentist regularly for a check-up.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
- If you have dentures, make sure you brush your dentures and gums with a soft toothbrush.
The Controversy Over Saturated Fat:
A. Our thoughts turn to a recent controversial editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine : Saturated fat does not clog the arteries. The authors, all cardiologists, suggest that heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity can all be traced to chronic high blood sugar and elevated insulin levels.
Many people develop insulin resistance when they eat foods full of refined carbs and sugar. The editorialists encourage regular physical activity, a low-sugar Mediterranean-style diet and stress reduction to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of heart disease.
We dont know whether others can their lower blood pressure by following your approach. A recent review of trials of popular diets found that the Atkins diet, which cuts sugar and simple carbs, resulted in the most weight loss .
We cant think of any drawbacks to quitting sugar, although this is controversial . Table sugar is half glucose and half fructose. Recent research indicates that people who ingest large quantities of fructose have higher blood lipids and insulin resistance . A sedentary lifestyle seems to make these problems even worse.
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Overdose Of Diabetes Medication
A common cause of hypoglycaemia is taking too much insulin for your current needs. Insulin is a medication that helps control your blood glucose levels. Its commonly used to treat type 1 diabetes and is also recommended for some people with type 2 diabetes.
A fall in blood glucose levels can also occur after taking too much oral hypoglycaemia medication, such as sulphonylurea, which causes a release of insulin. This medication is often used to lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
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Your Blood Pressure Results
Youll get your results straight away. The reading on the monitor lets your healthcare team know whether your blood pressure is too high, too low or just right. But its important you understand your results too. Make a note of your reading at each appointment and get to know what the numbers mean.
Your healthcare team will agree a target level thats safe for you. Its important you do everything you can to keep in your target range. The longer your blood pressure is high, the more at risk you are of getting serious complications. Weve got lots of information and advice to help you bring your to the target level you’ve agreed with your healthcare team.
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How Do I Prevent Hyperglycemia
- Exercise to help lower blood sugar. Work with your healthcare provider to make a daily activity plan.
- Follow your meal plan if you have one. Learn how carbohydrates impact your blood sugar, and work with your diabetes care team to find the best meal plan for you.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Dont smoke.
- Limit drinking alcohol. Alcohol can raise blood sugar levels, but can also cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. Work with your provider to determine how much is safe to drink.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/11/2020.
References
How Can I Lower Blood Pressure Whilst Managing My Diabetes
There are various ways to lower blood pressure, including modifying lifestyle and medication. Losing weight makes a big difference to blood pressure.
Taking regular physical exercise also makes a big difference to blood pressure. Lowering salt intake also makes a major difference to blood pressure, as does eating a more healthy diet in general.
Furthermore, cutting down alcohol and stopping smoking can also lower blood pressure amongst diabetics. Drug treatment is used in some instances, with several different drugs used to lower blood pressure.
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What Is High Blood Sugar
The is the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a sugar that comes from the foods we eat, and it’s also formed and stored inside the body. It’s the main source of energy for the cells of our body, and it’s carried to each cell through the bloodstream.
Hyperglycemia is the medical word for high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels happen when the body either can’t make insulin or can’t respond to insulin properly . The body needs insulin so glucose in the blood can enter the cells of the body where it can be used for energy. In people who have developed diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood, resulting in hyperglycemia.
Having too much sugar in the blood for long periods of time can cause serious health problems if it’s not treated. Hyperglycemia can damage the vessels that supply blood to vital organs, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems. These problems don’t usually show up in kids or teens who have had the disease for only a few years. But they can happen in adulthood in some people with diabetes, particularly if they haven’t managed or controlled their diabetes well.
Blood sugar levels are considered high when they’re above your target range. Your diabetes health care team will let you know what your target blood sugar levels are.
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Sugar And High Blood Pressure: Conclusion
Theres a lot more I could say about sugar and high blood pressure, including a lot more tips on how to reduce the amount of added sugars youre getting and how to make your favourite foods and drinks with less sugar.
If you want to know more, then have a look at our book: Lowering Your Blood Pressure Naturally The Complete 9 Step Guide.
It is as the title suggests a nine-step guide to lowering your blood pressure naturally. Each step looks at different aspects of your lifestyle: what you eat and drink, how active you are, and your habits and tendencies to do with stress and relaxation.
Step 8 looks in detail at sugar and high blood pressure. However, there are many things you can do to help lower your blood pressure without resorting to blood pressure-lowering medications.
For example, there are different ways you can exercise without ever going to a gym or aerobics class, there are different ways you can change your daily routine to make your life more relaxing and less stressed, and there are a huge variety of good, tasty foods and drinks you can indulge in for super health benefits.
Lowering your blood pressure doesnt have to be about denial. It can be about genuinely improving your life to better suit you, and our step-by-step guide enjoyably leads you through the process.
Click here for more details : Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally.
Image credits: Mike Mozart, Steve Rotman, tomates and friends, Tharrin, yaybiscuits123 on Flickr.com
Some references:
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