Did you know that hypertension is common in patients with diabetes? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, high blood pressure is twice more likely to strike a person with diabetes than a person without diabetes. In the Philippines alone, a study conducted by the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) estimated 21% or 10 million Filipinos are hypertensive, while about 3.9 million diabetes cases were reported by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) last 2020.
Living with health comorbidities can be challenging, most especially if you were just recently diagnosed. Learn more about how you can manage your overall health condition so you may reduce your chances of suffering from severe symptoms.
Hypertension
Having high blood pressure can greatly affect your everyday life. This “silent killer” often does not manifest any symptoms, and risk factors include genetics and an unhealthy lifestyle. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that you may be diagnosed with hypertension if your blood pressure (BP) is taken on two different days and the systolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥90 mmHg.
Aside from the mentioned risk factors above, suffering from other comorbidities like diabetes and kidney disease also increases your chances of having high blood pressure, so it’s important to also take your BP regularly to monitor your health.
Read: Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, Cure
Diabetes
There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Each one is differentiated by how your body produces insulin and can be managed by a healthy lifestyle and continuous medical therapy. Diabetes is considered a serious illness and can lead to severe health conditions like heart problems, stroke, kidney complications, and even blindness. A person with diabetes is likely to also have high blood pressure and may also be prescribed medicines that are intended for hypertensive patients.
Read: How to Avoid Diabetes
What can you do?
Suffering from both diabetes and hypertension should not hinder you from living the best years of your life. The most important investment that you can give to yourself is to live an active lifestyle that combines daily exercise and balanced meals. Consistency is key, and this includes adhering to your prescription and showing up to your scheduled checkups with your doctor. Taking your medicines on time and as prescribed can preserve its efficacy and decrease your risk of developing complications.
If it gets too overwhelming to remember all the things that you have to do, keep in mind these general rules:
- It is never too late to start a healthy routine. Start with your diet by using ingredients that are rich in vitamins and minerals like eggs, fish, leafy vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar on a regular basis. Maintain an open dialogue with your physician on any changes in your text results.
- Get out there and exercise. Getting some natural vitamin D from sun exposure can help boost your immune system while you burn some calories on your morning jog.
Consult your doctor on the available programs for those living with hypertension and diabetes in your community. Seek help from local clubs and support groups for patients who are coping with these specific health conditions that are operated by both the private and public health sectors.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
https://idf.org/our-network/regions-members/western-pacific/members/116-the-philippines.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
