High Blood pressure

[Sugdenben]

Hi everyone, I am on here on behalf of my partner. She has just been diagnosed with diabetes. They are awaiting the final results to determine whether its type1 or type2. The last 15 months since the birth of our first son, she has been suffering many symptoms which now they have diagnosed the issue make perfect sence. What is concerning us is the advice we have had in regards to what we think is a linked issue. Blood pressure, since giving birth she has had consistently high blood pressure. On her visit to the cardiologist yesterday he said "blood pressure is not linked to diabetes. I am not sure what the issue is, you need to start taking these tablets and they will be something you will be on for life" firstly how can he say its not linked? I have read many things since that suggest they can be directly linked. Also if he says he does not know what the issue is then how can he day she will be on tablets for life! This very much sounds like miss advice and that he is kinda making it up as he goes! Sorry for the long tread but it would be good to hear peoples views and experiences. Thanks Ben & Jen

 

[Sugdenben]

Hi Martin,

Thank you for the prompt response, this is also what I have read on various websites. Jen also has her own BP kit, I have said it might be worth taking it along with her glucose test in a morning to see if there is a trend i.e. high readings on sugar = higher blood pressure. Its puzzling that a qualified cardiologist cannot make that link and has now referred Jen for a MRI Scan to check her Kidneys! Would you recommend her having a chat with her Diabetes Nurse to get a second option?



Kind regards
Ben & Jen

 

[Bruce Stephens]

It seems plausible that diabetes might be a cause of high blood pressure, but it's also the case that diabetes tends to increase the risk of cardiovascular problems so people with diabetes are given a lower target for healthy blood pressure and cholesterol. (So someone with my blood pressure who doesn't have diabetes might well not have medication suggested whereas I have been, because I'm at higher risk of problems because of my blood pressure and diabetes.)

 

[karloc]

I think one issue is - like the issue I have. I have Type 2 Diabetes and High blood pressure.
I have obviously given myself both of these through bad diet, excess weight, lack of exercise etc. I would say whilst they, in my case are basically both caused by the same reason they are not dependent on each other so my High blood pressure is not because of the diabetes.

I am working on fixing my issues but it is going to take some time.

I came across this video today, I am not totally sold on everything he says but a lot of what he says does make sense.

And congratulations on your new family and all the highs and lows that will bring

 

[Felinia]

I was on medications for over 30 years for familial hypertension before being diagnosed with diabetes. Every year I was tested for kidney problems as I was told high blood pressure can damage the kidneys. I think this is why a check of your wife's kidneys has been ordered. As soon as my diabetes was diagnosed my GP increased my BP medication, telling me that what is acceptable for someone without diabetes, is not for someone with diabetes. Without knowing your wife's medical history, and why she was seeing a cardiologist I am unable to make any further comment, but I do hope you get answers.

 

[karloc]

Hi Martin,
Thank you for the prompt response, this is also what I have read on various websites. Jen also has her own BP kit, I have said it might be worth taking it along with her glucose test in a morning to see if there is a trend i.e. high readings on sugar = higher blood pressure. Its puzzling that a qualified cardiologist cannot make that link and has now referred Jen for a MRI Scan to check her Kidneys! Would you recommend her having a chat with her Diabetes Nurse to get a second option?
Kind regards
Ben & Jen

I managed to hammer my BG levels from avg 13 ish down to 4s or 5s in a week - made no real difference to my Blood pressure.

I am keeping my BGs low and relatively stable - my Blood pressure is quite varied and looking at my stats - I see no direct relationship between the two but it's no surprise as I can control my BG fast and direct with diet but 'fixing' my blood pressure will take me much longer.

 

[AJLang]

Diabetes does not cause high blood pressure. I have had diabetes for 48 years and my blood pressure is fine. However, as has been said, diabetics have a lower target for blood pressure due to the risks of blood pressure and diabetes with regard to cardiovascular, eye and kidney problems. Also blood pressure can be caused by potential lifestyle factors that can sometimes (not always) cause type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately lots of people have high blood pressure, with our without diabetes, and it needs to be kept under control due to uncontrolled blood pressure being considered a potential silent killer. With regard to the kidneys, problems with the kidneys can cause high blood pressure. Plus people with diabetes are at more risk of kidney damage and this risk is increased if blood pressure is high. Again though this is not a given. For example, as I've said I've had diabetes for 48 years and all of my kidney test results have been excellent, including the tests done a fortnight ago. I feel very sorry for you and your wife having to deal with her being on medication for life but it is better that the problems have been identified and can be treated than the potential outcomes if they are not treated.

 

[Eddy Edson]

I also don't think there's much of a direct link between high BG and high BP. They're both part of the "metabolic syndrome" which is generally a feature of Type 2, and losing weight is generally very helpful for both in the case of Type 2. But I doubt that lowering one via meds would have much of an impact on the other.

However, nobody here is qualified to give a medical opinion on your partner's case and in your position I'd quizz the cardio further on the "meds for life" comment - why does he/she think that etc etc. It might have something to do with protecting kidneys - I think aome BP meds are supposed to have that kind of benefit, even apart from the benefits of lowering BP.

 

[Drummer]

I have read a few times of people having to reduce or stop medication for high blood pressure after a while eating a low carb diet - I don't think it is the same for everyone, but some people were reporting going dizzy standing up and were told to stop the blood pressure tablets at once when they contacted their GP.

 

[karloc]

I have read a few times of people having to reduce or stop medication for high blood pressure after a while eating a low carb diet - I don't think it is the same for everyone, but some people were reporting going dizzy standing up and were told to stop the blood pressure tablets at once when they contacted their GP.

I stopped my meds about a week ago after exactly that issue even thou i'm still at the high end of 'normal' - not told my doctor yet , it will be a nice surprise when I see him next.
I am monitoring my blood pressure every day - to be 'safe' - so far no real change.