Blood pressure and diabetes: Recognize a 'double whammy'
As many as two out of three adults with diabetes have gotten a "double whammy" says Janelle Duffee, diabetes nurse educator with Allina Medical Clinic. On top of diabetes, they also have high blood pressure.
Both conditions put one at risk for eye disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease.
That's why the target blood pressure for anyone with diabetes is less than 130/80. It's also why people with diabetes should have their blood pressure checked at least at every doctor's appointment.
"Watching your blood pressure is just as important as managing your blood sugar," says Duffee.
What's blood pressure?
Blood pressure indicates how quickly or slowly your blood flows through your blood vessels.
When you have your blood pressure checked, you'll hear the nurse say something like "130 over 80."
- The first number is your systolic pressure. It shows the force as your heart beats, pushing blood through the vessels.
- The second number is the diastolic pressure. It shows the force between heartbeats, when the vessels relax.
"For people with diabetes, it doesn't matter which number is above target," says Duffee. "If either number is even slightly elevated, you should be treated for high blood pressure."
Getting a good blood pressure reading – and follow up
But how do you know if you're getting an accurate blood pressure reading?
Some people say their blood pressure goes up at the doctor's office because they're nervous. This is sometimes called "white coat syndrome."
"If your blood pressure is going up at the doctor's office, it's probably going up in traffic or other situations, too. So it should be taken care of," says Duffee.
To get a good blood pressure reading, make sure the cuff that goes around your upper arm is the right size.
"If the cuff is too small, it can vary your reading by 50 to 60 points," says Duffee. "If the cuff is too big, there's little impact."
At every blood pressure reading, Duffee advises people to ask what their blood pressure is. If it is above 130/80, have it rechecked during the same visit.
"There are so many things to go over in a doctor's visit that blood pressure can get overlooked," she says. "So don't be afraid to ask your doctor about it."
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Source: Allina Patient Education, Basic Skills for Living with Diabetes, fifth edition, ISBN 1-931876-16-9; American Diabetes Association, Treating High Blood Pressure in People With Diabetes; Janelle Duffee, RN, diabetes nurse educator – clinical nurse specialist, Allina Medical Clinic
First published: 10/01/2009
Last updated: 10/01/2009
Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, MS, CDE, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education; Dawn McCarter, RN, BSN, CDE, diabetes program coordinator, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education
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