Case Reports Of Hypoglycemia
The numerous case reports of cardiac arrhythmias provoked by spontaneous hypoglycemia emphasize the clinical relevance of the association, particularly since ethical considerations limit experimental studies in this area. Those reported range from severe sinus bradycardia and atrial fibrillation to ventricular tachycardia.
How Can I Treat And Manage Hyperglycemia
People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can manage hyperglycemia by eating healthy, being active, and managing stress. In addition, insulin is a critical part of managing hyperglycemia for people with type 1 diabetes, while people with type 2 diabetes may need oral medications and eventually insulin to help them manage hyperglycemia.
If you dont have diabetes and have any of the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia, call your healthcare provider. Together you can work to manage your hyperglycemia.
Consuming Too Much Sugar
However, problems occur when you consume too much added sugar that is, sugar that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavor or extend shelf life.
In the American diet, the top sources are soft drinks, fruit drinks, flavored yogurts, cereals, cookies, cakes, candy, and most processed foods. But added sugar is also present in items that you may not think of as sweetened, like soups, bread, cured meats, and ketchup.
The result: we consume way too much added sugar. Adult men take in an average of 24 teaspoons of added sugar per day, according to the National Cancer Institute. That’s equal to 384 calories.
“Excess sugar’s impact on obesity and diabetes is well documented, but one area that may surprise many men is how their taste for sugar can have a serious impact on their heart health,” says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Don’t Miss: Does Omron Blood Pressure Monitor Need Calibration
Try Meditation Or Yoga
Mindfulness and meditation, including transcendental meditation, have long been used and studied as methods to reduce stress.
Yoga, which commonly involves breathing control, posture, and meditation techniques, can also be effective in reducing stress and blood pressure.
A 2013 review on yoga and blood pressure found an average blood pressure decrease of 3.62 mm Hg diastolic and 4.17 mm Hg systolic when compared with those who didnt exercise.
Studies of yoga practices that included breath control, postures, and meditation were nearly twice as effective as yoga practices that didnt include all three of these elements .
Try These Medicinal Herbs
Herbal medicines have long been used in many cultures to treat a variety of ailments.
Some herbs have even been shown to possibly lower blood pressure. However, more research is needed to identify the doses and components in the herbs that are most useful.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking herbal supplements. They may interfere with your prescription medications.
Heres a partial list of plants and herbs that are used by cultures throughout the world to lower blood pressure:
- black bean
- tea , especially green tea and oolong tea
- umbrella tree bark
Read Also: Does Claritin Cause High Blood Pressure
Low Blood Sugar Can Increase Blood Pressure
Our body gets its energy to function properly from glucose, which is found in the carbohydrates we take in from the foods we eat. Insulin is responsible for pulling glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it’s used for energy.
When our blood sugar levels are low, our body tries to keep essential organs working by causing various changes, including an increase in heart rate and peripheral systolic blood pressure . It also lowers central blood pressure .
Can Hypertension Cause Diabetes
A meta-analysis appearing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2015 looked at data for more than 4 million adults. It concluded that people with high blood pressure have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
This link may be
The combined impact of diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and other health problems.
In 2012, researchers quoted figures suggesting that of people with type 1 diabetes and 5080% of those with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure in the United States.
There are three ways in which high glucose levels in the blood can increase blood pressure:
- The blood vessels lose their ability to stretch.
- The fluid in the body increases, especially if diabetes is already affecting the kidneys.
- Insulin resistance may involve processes that increase the risk of hypertension.
Controlling blood sugar levels and blood pressure can help prevent complications.
Hypertension and type 2 diabetes also share similar risk factors. These include:
- having excess weight and body fat
- following an unhealthful diet
Other factors that increase the risk of hypertension include:
- having a high fat or high sodium diet
- high alcohol consumption
- low levels of potassium
- other chronic conditions, such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, or inflammatory arthritis
Lifestyle factors are crucial for managing both blood glucose and blood pressure.
Recommended Reading: Symptom Of High Blood Pressure
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Low Blood Sugar
Different people may feel low blood sugar levels differently. People with low blood sugar may:
- feel hungry or have “hunger pains” in their stomach
- feel shaky or like they’re trembling
- have a rapid heart rate
- feel sweaty or have cold, clammy skin
- have pale, gray skin color
- have a headache
- have seizures or convulsions
- lose consciousness
If you have diabetes, try to remember how your body reacts when your blood sugar levels are low. It may help you figure out when you’re having a low blood sugar level more quickly the next time.
Predicted Changes In Percentage Of Population With High Blood Pressure
Our regression model predicted that decreasing added sugar intake results in an 8.4 mmHg drop in systolic BP and a 3.7 mmHg drop in diastolic BP in females, regardless of anti-hypertensive medication use. If females consume 2.3 teaspoons less added sugar, we predicted that 34.3% of females would have high BP readings, indicating a 12.9% drop in the percentage of females with hypertension readings and a 24.3% increase in the percentage of women with normal BP readings.
Recommended Reading: Calibrate Omron
Causes And Risk Factors Of High Blood Pressure
For most people, theres no single cause of high blood pressure. But we know some things can make you more at risk. These are called risk factors, and one of these is having diabetes.
High levels of sugar in your blood can lead to something called atherosclerosis. This is when theres a build-up of fatty material inside your blood vessels, narrowing them. The narrower the blood vessels, the more the pressure builds up.
The more stress your blood vessels are under, the harder it is to push blood around the important areas of your body. This means your feet, eyes and heart are seriously at risk.
There are other risk factors you cant do much about:
- your age
- a family history of high blood pressure
- if your ethnic background is African-Caribbean or Black African
And there are risk factors you do have control over:
- too much salt in your diet
- being overweight
- how you cope with stress
- drinking too much caffeine, such as coffee
If you make changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. Were not saying its easy, but its vital you understand how you can do this. Theres lots of support to help you and achieve your goals.
Canopy Health: Your Partner In Diabetes Health
Canopy Health is committed to our members health and wellness. If youd like to learn more about how you might benefit from our approach to refreshingly clear, human care, please contact us today! Our alliance includes 5,000 clinicians, 18 hospitals, dozens of outpatient care centers, and hundreds of endocrinologists and cardiologists working across eight Bay Area counties.To learn more about receiving great care and coverage through Canopy Health and our insurance carrier partners, please speak with your human resource manager or direct supervisor at work. Or, you can reach out directly by completing this brief online form or calling .
References:
American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults. . American Heart Association. Retrieved from
Cotey, S. . 6 Best Tips to Lower Blood Pressure When You Have Diabetes. Health Essentials. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-best-tips-lower-blood-pressure-diabetes/
Heart-Health Screenings. . American Heart Association. Retrieved from
Iliades, C. . Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: How to Manage Both. Everyday Health. Retrieved from
- May 24, 2019
- May 17, 2019
- May 09, 2019
Don’t Miss: Can I Take Claritin With High Blood Pressure
Low Blood Sugar Levels In Diabetes
People with diabetes can have low blood sugar levels because of the medicines they have to take to manage their diabetes. They may need a hormone called or diabetes pills to help their bodies use the sugar in their blood.
These medicines help take the sugar out of the blood and get it into the body’s cells, which makes the blood sugar level go down. But sometimes it’s a tricky balancing act and blood sugar levels can get too low.
People with diabetes need to keep their blood sugars from getting too highor too low. Keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range means balancing when and what they eat, and when they exercise with when they take medicines.
Eat Some Dark Chocolate
Yes, chocolate lovers: Dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure.
But the dark chocolate should be 60 to 70 percent cacao. A review of studies on dark chocolate has found that eating one to two squares of dark chocolate per day may help lower the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and inflammation.
The benefits are thought to come from the flavonoids present in chocolate with more cocoa solids. The flavonoids help dilate, or widen, your blood vessels .
Don’t Miss: Can Claritin Cause High Blood Pressure
Dietary Changes To Help Lower Your Blood Pressure
Tips like starting the day with a nutrient-rich smoothie, enjoying fresh fruits, and ensuring adequate water intake can help control cravings and might keep you from eating processed sugar.
Choose a diet that’s rich in the following:
- Fruits
- Nuts and legumes
- Nontropical vegetable oils
Be sure to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, sodium, red meat , and sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages.
There is some evidence to suggest that supplementing your diet with L-glutamine may be beneficial. One study demonstrated that, in overweight people and those with obesity, the effect of L-glutamine supplementation on gut microbiota was similar to that of weight loss programs.
Eat Healthy High Protein Foods
A long-term study concluded in 2014 found that people who ate more protein had a lower risk of high blood pressure. For those who ate an average of 100 grams of protein per day, there was a 40 percent lower risk of having high blood pressure than those on a low protein diet .
Those who also added regular fiber into their diet saw up to a 60 percent reduction of risk.
However, a high protein diet may not be for everyone. Those with kidney disease may need to use caution. Its best to talk with your doctor.
Its fairly easy to consume 100 grams of protein daily on most types of diets.
A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon can have as much as 22 grams of protein, while a 3.5-ounce serving of chicken breast might contain 30 grams of protein.
With regard to vegetarian options, a half-cup serving of most types of beans contains 7 to 10 grams of protein. Two tablespoons of peanut butter would provide 8 grams .
Don’t Miss: Claritin D High Blood Pressure
More Studies Indicating How Sugar Raises Blood Pressure
In 2014, researchers concluded sugar had a direct effect on blood pressure independent of weight gain. They researched dietary intervention trials between 1965 and 2013. The trials compared sugar in diets which measured the effects on cholesterol and blood pressure.
Their findings confirmed sugars contributed to cardiovascular risk independent of body weight gain .
A study published in 2012, compared high fructose corn syrup soft drinks with sucrose sweetened soft drinks. Forty men and women were given 24 ounces and examined over a 6 hour period.
Both drinks showed an increase in blood pressure but the high fructose corn syrup drink raised systolic blood pressure more . The average increase was 15 mm Hg systolic and 9 mm Hg diastolic.
A 2 week diet high in fructose was shown in 2010 to increase systolic BP by 7 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 5 mm Hg. In addition, there was an increase in heart rate, triglycerides and fasting insulin .
In 2014, a study examined added sugar intake and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers observed a significant link between added sugar intake and increased risk for cardiovascular disease death .
Eat More Low Glycemic Foods
Food with a low glycemic index wont spike your blood sugar. Even though they contain carbs, theyre high in fiber, so they take longer to digest. Some of my favorite low glycemic foods also happen to be packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can support a healthy immune system. These include:
- All berries
- Leafy green vegetables
- Orange vegetables and fruits
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes
Lean proteins like chicken and fish actually score a big fat zero on the glycemic index scale. That means they have no carbohydrates, so they wont raise your blood sugar. They also provide amino acids that your body needs to build the proteins in your immune system. Poultry, fish, and eggs are all great choices.
Also Check: Shaking Low Blood Pressure
How To Lower Your Blood Pressure
A lot of lowering your blood pressure is down to making positive lifestyle changes. But we know its not always that straightforward, and some people will need medication to help too.
- Try different ways to cope with stress
- Have less caffeine
Your healthcare team can support you with making these changes. Find out what healthcare checks and services you are entitled to.
Healthy Tips For Lowering Blood Pressure
Making certain lifestyle changes can not only reduce complications from diabetes but can also greatly reduce your risk of high blood pressure. In fact, lowering your systolic blood pressure by 10 points has been shown to lower all diabetes complication risks by 12 percent overall.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Regularly visit your primary care physician and take advantage of free blood pressure screenings.
- The American Heart Association recommends either 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity each week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit your salt intake to two grams per day, which is about one teaspoon.
- Eat a diet with low sugar but plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish, healthy fats, and whole grains.
- Dont smoke and drink only in moderation.
- Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which can raise blood pressure. Take acetaminophen instead whenever possible.
If you have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, these lifestyle changes can help you get your diabetes and blood pressure under control. The goal is to live well with diabetes and work to prevent complications, and lowering your blood pressure is a critical step.
Also Check: High Blood Pressure Shaking
Eat More Potassium And Less Sodium
Increasing your potassium intake and cutting back on salt can also lower your blood pressure .
Potassium is a double winner: It lessens the effects of salt in your system and eases tension in your blood vessels. However, diets rich in potassium may be harmful to people with kidney disease, so talk with your doctor before increasing your potassium intake.
Its easy to eat more potassium. So many foods are naturally high in potassium. Here are a few:
- chips
- other processed snacks
Foods labeled low fat are usually high in salt and sugar to compensate for the loss of fat. Fat is what gives food taste and makes you feel full.
Cutting down on or even better, cutting out processed food will help you eat less salt, less sugar, and fewer refined carbohydrates. All of this can result in lower blood pressure.
Make it a practice to check nutrition labels. According to the Food and Drug Administration , a sodium listing of 5 percent or less on a food label is considered low, while 20 percent or more is considered high .
Effective Ways To Lower Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is called the silent killer for good reason. It often has no symptoms but is a major risk of heart disease and stroke. And these diseases are among the leading causes of death in the United States .
Almost half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure .
Your blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, which is abbreviated as mm Hg. There are two numbers involved in the measurement:
· Systolic blood pressure. The top number represents the force of the pressure when your heart pushes blood into the arteries throughout the rest of your body.
· Diastolic blood pressure. The bottom number represents the pressure in your blood vessels between beats, when your heart is filling and relaxing.
Your blood pressure depends on how much blood your heart is pumping, and how much resistance there is to blood flow in your arteries. The narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
Blood pressure lower than 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal. Blood pressure thats 130/80 mm Hg or more is considered high.
If your numbers are above normal but under 130/80 mm Hg, you fall into the category of elevated blood pressure. This means youre at risk of developing high blood pressure .
The good news about elevated blood pressure is that you can make changes to significantly reduce your numbers and lower your risk without requiring medications.
Here are 17 effective ways to lower your blood pressure levels.
Read Also: Mayo Clinic High Blood Pressure Diet