In addition to pancreatic problems, most diabetics have high blood pressure. Is there a blood pressure goal for diabetics? Is there alternatives to medication?
High blood pressure kills many people and often causes heart attacks and strokes. If you are a diabetic, you need to attain goals!
A number of factors can raise your blood pressure. If you have a family history with high blood pressure or are African-American, you have a much higher risk of developing it. Diabetic can go through pain and emotional stress what can raise your blood pressure. What goals can you take to prevent serious problems?
What is a good blood pressure goal for diabetics? The graph below is the standard for a normal healthy person. For a diabetic, any systolic number over 160 is serious and needs to be addressed by your doctor. My goal is to keep my blood pressure reading in the normal or high normal range. When my blood pressure is consistently higher for several weeks, I’ve called my doctor and discussed if my medication and dose needs adjustment.
Blood Pressure |
Systolic |
Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Below 120 | Below 80 |
| Pre-hypertension (High side of normal) |
120 to 139 | 80 to 89 |
| High blood pressure | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
Lifestyle goals for diabetics include the following:
- Eat Healthy – consume fruits, vegetables and whole grains. (Include food high in potassium, calcium and fish oil) If you are considering taking a supplement, talk to your Doctor before making any changes!
- Get active – do aerobic exercise (Exercise regularly by walking, biking, playing sports or any active exercise.)
- Monitor insulin levels – if you are on blood pressure meds, it can cause your sugar levels to fluctuate.
- Reduce your salt – replace it with other seasonings that don’t contain sodium.
- Lose excess weight – exercise and lower your body mass index (BMI) under 25.
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke!
Lifestyle changes might allow you to eliminate the need for high blood pressure medication. A blood pressure goal and lifestyle goal will decrease the possibility of needing to take medication. If changes don’t lower your blood pressure under 140, a diabetic should consider drug treatment. Talk to your Doctor about the choices you have with high blood pressure!
