About two-thirds of patients with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure. Compared with people with normal blood sugar, patients with type 1 diabetes have a higher prevalence of hypertension. Why is this?
The possible mechanisms are as follows:
1. Insulin regulates sympathetic nervous system activity: Type 2 diabetes and obesity patients are often accompanied by hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, both of which increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and lead to an increase in blood pressure;
2. Insulin resistance inhibits the nitric oxide signaling pathway in endothelial cells, promotes vascular smooth muscle proliferation and sodium and water retention;
3. Hyperglycemia overactivates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system;
4. Sodium and water retention in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes due to impaired kidney function.
Therefore, people with diabetes should control their diet, especially their salt intake, and check their blood pressure regularly. If necessary, they should seek medical advice.
