Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: Is There a Relationship?

Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic health conditions, affecting around one million Australians. Caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, type 2 diabetes commonly affects older Australians, particularly those with high blood pressure. 

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is common in people with diabetes. Both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure share similar lifestyle risk factors and symptoms. Concerningly, someone with high blood pressure is at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 

In this guide, we uncover the similarities between type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Discover how you can identify, prevent and manage type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges we face in Australia. The condition occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood and insufficient levels of insulin – an essential hormone, helping convert glucose from the food we eat into energy. 

People with type 2 diabetes are either unable to produce enough insulin or the cells in their body cannot respond to insulin effectively. Without sufficient insulin, the amount of glucose found in the blood can exceed safe levels and lead to a range of serious health complications. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment options for type 2 diabetes.

Did you know?
Glucose is a type of sugar, and an important energy source derived from foods containing carbohydrates. After consuming food, the body releases glucose which is absorbed into the bloodstream, and into body tissues to provide energy. Any excess glucose is then stored in the body and converted to fat. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help lower glucose levels.

Living with type 2 diabetes? Learn how our Care Professionals can help here.

What Is the Difference Between Type1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

There are three types of diabetes (type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes in pregnancy), but type 2 diabetes remains the most common, affecting 85% of Australians living with diabetes. 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that reflects around 10-15% of all diabetes cases in Australia. The chronic condition occurs when the body’s immune system destroys cells in the pancreas required to produce insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot convert glucose into energy. People with type 1 diabetes depend on insulin injections several times a day. 

Type 2 diabetes is a combination of having ineffective and insufficient insulin levels. It occurs when cells in the body are resistant to insulin. Overtime, people with type 2 diabetes lose around 50-70% of their insulin-producing cells and the body is no longer able to produce enough insulin required to maintain healthy glucose levels. 

Unlike type 1 diabetes that is mostly present in childhood or early life, type 2 diabetes can appear later in life. Intentional lifestyle improvements and environmental changes can help slow the onset of type 2 diabetes. Although both types of diabetes are incurable, there are strategies to effectively manage type 2 diabetes and ensure a better quality of life.  

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

According to researchers and health professionals, type 2 diabetes is likely caused by a combination of generic and lifestyle factors. Type 2 is more likely in people who have a family history of the condition. 

Although the exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown, research indicates that certain lifestyle habits can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Learning to identify the lifestyle risks that can lead to type 2 diabetes is an effective way to slow the onset of type 2 diabetes and manage the condition: 

Lifestyle causes associated with type 2 diabetes:

• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Unhealthy diet consisting of foods high in fat, sugar or salt
• Low intake of dietary fiber 
• Low levels of physical activity  
• Smoking and nicotine intake. 

Some groups are more at risk of type 2 than others:

• Aged 45 or above
• Overweight or obese
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Pregnant woman who experienced gestational diabetes
• Family history of diabetes
  

What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

If left untreated, Type 2 diabetes can result in serious long-term harm. Knowing the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be a helpful way to identify and manage type 2 diabetes. 

Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Fatigue
• Need to use the bathroom more frequently
• Being thirstier than usual or passing more urine
• Feeling tired and lethargic 
• Headaches or feeling dizzy 
• Weight fluctuation
• Blurred vision 
• Mood swings
• Wounds that heal slowly
• High blood pressure (hypertension) or heart circulation problems. 

Learn more about the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

These symptoms are not an exhaustive list of the impacts type 2 diabetes can have on your body. Some individuals may experience slight or no symptoms. 

One important symptom of type 2 diabetes to look out for is high blood pressure (hypertension). 

What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disorder of the body’s circulatory system when there is more amount of pressure than normal on the artery walls. The increased amount of stress can damage the arteries or possibly result in clogging.   

What Is the Difference Between High and Low Blood Pressure?

The heart is responsible for pumping blood to parts of the body. With every heartbeat, blood is pumped through vessels, known as arteries. Pressure through the vessels is created by the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries. 

Did you know?

Blood pressure is measured by two readings – the systolic pressure (top number) and the diastolic pressure (bottom number). The top number indicates your blood pressure when the heart contracts and the bottom number represents your blood pressure between heartbeats. 

High blood pressure (hypertension): A consistently high force of blood pushing through your vessels is known as high blood pressure. When someone has high blood pressure, their heart works harder to pump blood through the arteries. A high blood pressure reading is greater than 140/90 mmHg.

Low blood pressure (hypotension): Low blood pressure is considered below 90/60 mmHg and occurs when the pressure of the blood pumping through the body is lower than normal. Low blood pressure or a slow pulse will only become an issue when there is a negative impact on the body, such as dizziness or fatigue.  

Blood pressure readings can vary throughout the day but we recommend checking your blood pressure every six months for normal levels or every three months for people with high blood pressure. 

Measuring your blood pressure can be a helpful way to gauge blood sugar levels and identify your risk of other health complications, such as type 2 diabetes.  

What Causes High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

There are some hereditary factors that can contribute to high blood pressure but generally, the causes of high blood pressure are associated with lifestyle factors such as:

• Obesity 
• Unhealthy diet (high in salt and saturated fats)
• Lack of exercise 
• Kidney problems 
• Stress 

These lifestyle factors can be exacerbated by: 

• Smoking or nicotine intake 
• Heavy drinking 
• Diabetes 
• High cholesterol levels

The Symptoms of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

According to the World Health Organisation, high blood pressure affects around 1.13 billion people around the world but most people don’t realise they have the condition. High blood pressure can remain largely unseen, producing little to no symptoms in most people.

However, high blood pressure can coexist with other health complications or worsen an existing medical illness like diabetes. People with high blood pressure may also experience other heart and circulation problems.

In the short term, high blood pressure can be associated with mild symptoms such headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds. These symptoms aren’t specific to high blood pressure however so it can be challenging to spot hypertension. 

Although its symptoms are not glaringly obvious, high blood pressure is quick and easy to measure so it’s recommended that you get your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you are at risk of diabetes. 

If left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to further health complications and its only when blood pressure is dangerously high that serious, often life-threatening symptoms may develop, such as: 

• Heart attack, heart failure or stroke
• Kidney disease or kidney failure
• Vision loss or blindness
• Erectile dysfunction or lower libido.

The Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

There is a strong correlation between high blood pressure (hypertension) and type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure affects a large segment of the Australian community so it is concerning that people with high blood pressure are also at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

It’s common for people living with type 2 diabetes to experience high blood pressure as diabetes can change the body’s chemistry. Diabetes can also harden your arteries, causing high blood pressure. If left untreated, damage to blood vessels can contribute to increased risk of heart attacks or kidney failure.

Risk Factors of Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Understanding the risk factors, symptoms and ways of managing diabetes and high blood pressure is an important and effective way to safeguard your health. 

Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are conditions that are largely affected by lifestyle and environmental risk factors. Here are five essential questions to ask yourself or a loved one to help identify your risk of high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes: 

• What does your diet include?  A diet consisting of high salt, high saturated fats or high cholesterol is directly correlated with high blood pressure and unhealthy glucose levels. 

• Are you overweight? People who are obese or overweight put added stress on their heart and blood vessels. Obesity and excess weight gain, especially around the waist, can be a strong indicator of a need to change diet or exercise levels.

• How often do you exercise? Regular physical activity can help maintain healthy weight levels and also help lower your blood pressure. 

• How often do you smoke or drink? Excessive alcohol intake or smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. 

• Do you have a family history of high blood pressure or diabetes? Learning if your direct family has a history of high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes can indicate if you are at increased risk of developing either of the conditions. 

Managing Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

The first step to managing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure levels is to learn about the lifestyle factors that can worsen both conditions. Both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure can be managed with healthy lifestyle behaviours such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and routine medical check ups to measure your blood pressure. 

For Australians living with type 2 diabetes or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it’s strongly recommended that you regularly monitor your blood pressure levels.

How Homage Supports People with Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a common chronic condition. According to the National Health Survey, an estimated 1 in 20 Australians live with diabetes. 

While it’s a common condition, living with type 2 diabetes is not easy, requiring ongoing care and attention to your lifestyle and daily routine. From strict dietary requirements to monitoring blood sugar levels, living with type 2 diabetes calls for some support. With help from our care workers, forming a diabetes management plan can be an important tool to help protect you and your loved ones from a worsening health situation.

With experience in caring for individuals with type 2 diabetes, our carers are available to provide support with meal preparation, mobility support, medication reminders, nursing support and more. 

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you can rest assured that our professional carers are committed to providing ongoing care and support.

Reach out to our team today to learn more about the support and care for you and your loved one!