What is hypertension
If blood pressure is elevated ≥140/90 mmHg, it is called hypertension. But this elevated BP should be confirmed with multiple readings, including measurements on a separate day. Because persistent elevation of BP is important to diagnose hypertension.
Though the crude prevalence of hypertension is around 25% in India, but it is more common in diabetes and the prevalence of hypertension in diabetic population varies from 50-75% both in our country and worldwide as per literature.
Mechanism of high blood pressure in diabetes
Over time diabetes damages blood vessels in the body and causing wall of those blood vessels to stiffen. This is known medically as atherosclerosis, which increases the blood pressure. If diabetic patients develop kidney problem or nephropathy, it also contributes to rise in blood pressure.
Disadvantages of high blood pressure in diabetes
Both hypertension and diabetes are individual cardiovascular risk factors. The co existence of both conditions can cause blood vessel damage, heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, kidney problem, damage in blood vessel of eyes leading to vision loss.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for individuals with diabetes and with aggressive risk factor modification, there is evidence that measures of 10-year coronary heart disease risk among diabetes population have improved significantly with decrease in morbidity and mortality and better quality of life.
What is dyslipidaemia
Dyslipidemia occurs when someone has abnormal levels of lipids in their blood. The components include Cholesterol, LDL, Triglyceride, HDL or VLDL. Any of the components can be deranged in dyslipidemia by definition.
Studies revealed, prevalence of dyslipidemia in Indian diabetic patients was up to 85% in males and 97% among females considering on or more lipid parameters beyond target range. Due to sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity and increased consumption of fatty food with more urbanization, majority of Indian type 2 diabetic patients are dyslipidemic at baseline.
Diet in diabetes and dyslipidemia
A diabetic person should increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Replace refine carbohydrate with whole grains, low glycemic index foods, increased dietary fibre and low fat dairy products. Decrease consumption of red meat, packaged, junk or deep fried foods. Replace saturated fat or trans fat with unsaturated fats and lean protein sources. Limit oil consumption up to two teaspoon per person per day. Avoid alcohol, limit not more than two drinks in men and one drink in women a day.
Lifestyle modification
A balanced and healthy diet at regular time interval is the key factor to control diabetes and associated co-morbidities. Thirty minutes of regular aerobic exercise in the form of swimming, cycling, jogging, skipping or brisk walking etc is mandatory. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Adequate sleep at night and stress management are nevertheless needs to be ensured. So proper diet plan, exercise, compliance to medications and proper medical follow up are principal components of diabetes management.
