20. High blood pressure
Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to elevated blood pressure levels (hypertension). High blood pressure is caused by the irregular contraction of the blood vessels which damages them over time. When your blood sugar is too high, it changes the way your blood vessels behave. It makes them contract more than they should. This narrowing of the blood vessels causes the blood pressure to rise. The heightened pressure on the walls of the blood vessels can cause permanent damage.
It affects the elasticity of the blood vessels. They can become so damaged that they no longer work properly. They could even start to leak, which affects the entire circulatory system. When the blood vessels are damaged, it is hard for them to recover unless the cause of the damage is eliminated. High blood pressure is treated with medication. Patients are, however, expected to change their lifestyles as well. Those who smoke and drink are advised to stop. Healthy exercise patterns are encouraged.
Another major contributor to high blood pressure is stress. Stress management techniques are advised so that patients can learn to manage stress without letting affect them physically. One of the things a doctor will look at is the blood sugar levels of someone with high blood pressure. Eliminating high blood sugar levels can help to reduce blood pressure.
Left untreated, blood pressure can lead to heart attacks or strokes. It can have fatal consequences if not addressed. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control can go a long way toward keeping your blood pressure levels within the normal range. It also prevents a diagnosis of diabetes which is a lifelong condition that needs ongoing management and treatment.