We have put together a range of easy-to-use resources to help you understand how blood pressure links with pregnancy and other
health conditions. These resources explain the risks, offer practical advice, and highlight where to get support. On this page, you will find information about:
- diabetes and blood pressure
Download: all resources on this page are available to download in Word or PDF. We also provide Easy Read versions which may help support people with learning disabilities, autism, or cognitive disabilities but many people will find them useful.
- Patient information - high blood pressure and diabetes (Microsoft Word)
- Patient information - high blood pressure and diabetes (PDF)
- Easy read - high blood pressure, pregnancy and other conditions
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Blood pressure and diabetes: why it matters
There are two main types of diabetes:
- type 1 diabetes – caused by an immune response that stops your body making insulin. Usually starts in childhood or early adulthood
- type 2 diabetes – when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t respond to it. Often linked to being overweight or inactive
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar is a bit too high, but not high enough to be called diabetes. This is a warning sign.
Diabetes UK have a useful YouTube page accessed using this link with information for patients. A few introductory videos include including what is diabetes? accessed using this link
How are diabetes and high blood pressure linked?
People with type 2 diabetes often also have:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- weight around the waist
These conditions together are known as metabolic syndrome and greatly increase your risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.
That’s why your healthcare professional will aim to manage all three, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol together.
Diabetes UK has produced two useful videos about diabetes and blood pressure:
- YouTube video accessed using this link about diabetes and high blood pressure.
- YouTube video ‘your diabetes health checks: blood pressure’ accessed using this link.
Why is high blood pressure a problem for people with diabetes?
When combined with high blood sugar levels, the damage caused by high blood pressure can be much worse. It can affect the flow of blood to key parts of your body, including your:
- heart – increasing the risk of a heart attack
- brain – increasing the risk of a stroke
- eyes – which can lead to vision loss
- kidneys – leading to kidney disease
- feet – increasing the risk of infections and amputations
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
If you have diabetes, your blood pressure should be checked by a healthcare professional at least once a year, often as part of your annual diabetes review. Even if you feel well, high blood pressure could be silently damaging your body. The check is quick, free, and could help prevent serious complications.
What can I do to lower my blood pressure if I have diabetes?
Managing your blood pressure is one of the best things you can do to protect your heart and health. Here are five key areas to focus on:
- stop smoking
- eat a blood pressure-friendly diet
- get regular physical activity
- take your medication as prescribed
- drinking less alcohol
If you’re diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you may be able to prevent type 2 diabetes developing with the above changes.