Diabetes & Hypertension: Understanding the Link

Diabetes can be a risk factor for hypertension. Diabetic nephropathy, which is kidney damage, is often the cause of hypertension in individuals with diabetes.

Significance

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, kidney disease is the leading cause of secondary hypertension. Kidney disease often occurs as a complication of diabetes.

Effects

• Diabetic nephropathy damages the kidney's blood vessels and interferes with the kidney's ability to filter the blood. In time, the kidneys may fail completely.

Considerations

• According to the National Institutes of Health, it is unknown exactly how diabetes causes nephropathy. It is suspected that prolonged high levels of blood glucose are the likely culprit.

Risks

• The National Institutes of Health asserts that certain people are at increased risk for diabetic nephropathy. These people include those of American Indian, African American and Hispanic descent. Also, those who developed type 1 diabetes before age 20 years are at a greater risk along with those who smoke and have uncontrolled blood glucose levels.

Treatment

• Diabetic nephropathy may be treated with diabetic medications and blood pressure medications. Eventually, kidney dialysis may be needed.