Dr Mehra discusses how Indians and diabetics are at high risk of having hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often goes hand in hand with diabetes. This doesn’t come as a surprise anymore, especially if you consider that both ailments are, by their very nature, more lifestyle disorders than diseases. They are both, in some ways, caused by poor lifestyle habits and sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise are same things. It can be reframed to include factors like unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol intake etc, obesity, etc. and other existing conditions. However, an interesting observation is how diabetes and hypertension relate to each other. While many people who have diabetes also have high blood pressure, the reverse is not always true; not everyone who has high blood pressure contracts diabetes. Reports estimate that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop hypertension, as compared to those without diabetes. This is perhaps because of the way diabetes affects the human body, stiffening the arterial lining which then impacts the pressure required to maintain optimal blood flow. Hypertension by itself is a dangerous disease but combined with diabetes, it becomes even more worrisome. But the silver lining is that by controlling diet and sticking to a healthier lifestyle, most people with diabetes will be able to control, and even reverse, hypertension. In fact, if possible, people with diabetes should be more alert, and take preventive measures to stay hypertension-free. They can then concentrate on managing only their diabetes, without the added complications and health risks that come with hypertension. Issued in Public Interest by USV PVT LTD Hypertension in Indians