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HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often occurs alongside diabetes mellitus, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, and studies show there may be links between them. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes are both aspects of metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Both hypertension and diabetes may have some underlying causes in common, and they share some risk factors. They also contribute to a worsening of each other’s symptoms. The ways of managing both conditions also overlap.

Our doctors at In-Country Medicare use functional methods in Disease management that have been successful in the reversal of diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

Mind/Body Practices

Chronic stress increases the release of glucose from the liver and decreases insulin receptor sensitivity, making insulin work less effectively.

Stress management helps individuals more effectively regulate their diet and exercise, which are both important in managing diabetes. Massage and

biofeedback with Ondamed are just a few of the practices that have been used to manage stress, and have positive impacts on the diabetic patient.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitis is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which affects how the body is able to use glucose for energy. In order for cells to use glucose for energy, insulin must be present. In people with diabetes, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin (type 1), or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced (type 2 and gestational diabetes).

The three main types of diabetes are:

  • Type 1
  • Type 2
  • Gestational diabetes (occurs in pregnant women during the pregnancy, but resolves after delivery)

What is Hypertension ?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Around a third of adults have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it. The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked.

Blood pressure is recorded with 2 numbers. The systolic pressure (higher number) is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body. The diastolic pressure (lower number) is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels. They are both measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). As a general guide:
High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you're over the age of 80). Ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg

Risks of high blood pressure

If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes. Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:

  • heart disease
  • heart attacks
  • strokes
  • heart failure
  • peripheral arterial disease
  • aortic aneurysms
  • kidney disease
  • vascular dementia