Complications of hypertension ni Diabetes

• • Summary: Complications of Hypertension in Diabetes**

Diabetes often leads to hypertension, affecting 60-80% of diabetics over time, with development spanning 10-15 years. Contributing factors include obesity, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol. Poor blood pressure control increases mortality rates from heart disease and stroke fourfold. Blood pressure variability exacerbates microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis, impacting both large and small vessels, leading to clogged, rigid arteries. This results in increased risks of heart failure, strokes, kidney failure, vision loss, poor circulation, infections, and amputations.

Management involves lifestyle changes: a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and blood sugar monitoring. The American Diabetes Association recommends blood pressure checks every 2-5 times annually, with a target below 140/80. Medications like ACE inhibitors are first-line treatments, protecting against kidney disease, often used alongside diuretics if necessary.

Overall, controlling hypertension in diabetes is crucial to prevent severe complications and improve quality of life.