Dr. Graham Cates recently gave an informative presentation on “Hypertension and Diabetes” at Ascension Methodist Church.
The prevalence of diabetes in the Bahamas has reached epidemic proportions. People living with diabetes already know the importance of controlling blood sugar but many are not aware of another problem that can go hand-in-hand with diabetes — high blood pressure or hypertension.
There is a strong connection between diabetes and hypertension. Two out of every three people with Type 2 diabetes also have high blood pressure or take prescription medications to lower their blood pressure. These are both conditions of lifestyle and aging and share common risk factors. And, hence, both can be managed through positive lifestyle changes, including eating a healthful diet, exercise, weight control, and medication, if required.
People living with both diabetes and hypertension are estimated to have double the risk of heart attack and stroke as non-diabetic people with hypertension. Hypertensive diabetic patients are also at increased risk for complications including retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye) and kidney disease.
At Family Medicine Center, Diabetes Education Network, and ACE Diabetes we address the issues that people living with diabetes face every day. We can help.
If you would like to have Dr. Cates or one of our Diabetes Educators make a presentation at your establishment, please call: 702-9310