December 2014

Too much glucose in the blood for a long time can cause diabetes-related health problems. This high blood glucose can damage the heart and blood vessels. Heart and blood-vessel disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes, the leading causes of death for people with diabetes.

Many people with diabetes have high blood pressure. If you have heart problems, high blood pressure can make them worse. Fortunately, you can do a lot to prevent or slow down these heart-related problems. If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor how to lower it. Your doctor may ask you to take blood-pressure medicine.

You can also help control your blood pressure by eating more fruits and vegetables, eating less salt and high-sodium food, losing weight if you need to, being physically active, not smoking and limiting alcoholic drinks.

Source: National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse