Blood sugar is the energy your cells use and if those levels get out of a normal balance, they can damage the blood vessels over time. When this occurs, blood vessels eventually lose the ability to stretch and maintain their elasticity. Two out three people with blood sugar challenges also have issues with blood pressure.
Are blood sugar and blood pressure related?
Yes, high glucose levels in the blood and high blood pressure are closely related. Elevated glucose levels can increase the risk of hypertension and are often associated with overlapping causes and shared risk factors. Among American adults aged 20 and older who self-report having diabetes, 67% have blood pressure readings higher than 140/90 mm Hg. The combination of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes poses significant health concerns.
High glucose levels can contribute to increased blood pressure in three key ways:
- Reduced Vessel Elasticity: Elevated glucose can impair the ability of blood vessels to stretch and adapt.
- Increased Fluid Retention: Diabetes-related kidney issues may lead to fluid buildup in the body, raising blood pressure.
- Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance can heighten the risk of developing hypertension, creating a compounding effect on health.
Managing both blood glucose and blood pressure levels is essential for reducing long-term risks and promoting overall cardiovascular health.
What is blood sugar?
Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat, and is your body’s main source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use for energy.
The sugar that isn’t needed to fuel your body right away gets stored in cells for later use. Too much sugar in your blood can be harmful.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that’s characterized by having higher levels of blood sugar than what’s considered within normal limits. Unmanaged diabetes can lead to problems with your heart, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels.
How does blood sugar regulate?
Most of the time, glucose levels increase after you eat a meal. When blood sugar rises, cells in the pancreas release insulin, causing the body to absorb glucose from the blood and lowering the blood sugar level to normal.
The human body wants blood glucose (blood sugar) maintained in a very narrow range. Insulin and glucagon are the hormones which make this happen. Both insulin and glucagon are secreted from the pancreas, and thus are referred to as pancreatic endocrine hormones. Regulation of blood glucose is largely done through the endocrine hormones of the pancreas, a beautiful balance of hormones achieved through a negative feedback loop. The main hormones of the pancreas that affect blood glucose include insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and amylin.
Why does blood sugar increase?
Carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread etc. can cause blood sugar to rise. When you eat carbs they are broken down into simple sugars. The sugar will then enter the bloodstream, causing your blood sugar level to rise. The pancreas then releases insulin which prompts the cells to absorb sugar from the blood.
Blood sugar spikes occur when your blood sugar rises and then falls sharply after you eat. Over time, your body may not be able to lower blood sugar effectively, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a rising health problem. In fact, 29 million Americans have diabetes and 25% do not even know that they have it.
When blood sugar is high what could you expereince?
High blood sugar can manifest through a variety of experiences. Early signs may include increased thirst, frequent urination, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating. Additional expereinces can develop over time, such as unintentional weight loss, slow-healing wounds, skin infections, or frequent vaginal yeast infections.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels may also contribute to more serious concerns, including:
- Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy): Painful sensations, cold or insensitive feet, and hair loss are potential indicators.
- Vision Changes: High glucose levels can cause swelling in the lenses of your eyes, leading to blurry vision.
- Delayed Wound Healing: Cuts, scrapes, and bruises may heal more slowly when blood sugar is not well-managed.
- Skin Issues: Blisters, dryness, discoloration, and itchiness may be warning signs of elevated glucose levels.
Other possible complications include increased hunger, extreme fatigue, stomach and intestinal problems, and damage to blood vessels or kidneys. Frequent genital yeast infections may also occur as a result of hyperglycemia.
Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels is crucial for reducing these risks and maintaining overall well-being.
How does poor circulation affect blood sugar?
If someone has poor blood circulation it will lead to plaque forming in the blood vessels rendering them unable to deliver sufficient amounts of blood to neighbouring cells and that can lead to raised blood sugar levels.
Fortunately, there are simple, tried and tested ways of improving blood flow around the body. From general lifestyle changes to acute therapies, understanding how to support your circulation is a key part of maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Blood sugar and stress
The common misconception with stress is that it is an emotional problem, often disguised as anxiety, worry, or depression. When the body is under stress, the adrenal glands trigger the release of glucose stored in various organs, which often leads to elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream.
Raising blood sugar is important in stressful situations, as the body is told to get its fuel (glucose) levels up in preparation for a lot of physical and mental activity. It is important to be aware that repeated episodes of stress can cause serious changes in blood sugar levels. Constant stress will also cause adrenal fatigue leading to more severe possibilities, which is why it is vital to remove stress from your life, especially if you have diabetes.
So what are some things you can do to mitigate stress? Keep a positive attitude. Accept that there are events that you cannot control. Learn to manage your time more effectively. Make time for hobbies and interests. Don’t rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors to reduce stress. Drugs and alcohol can stress your body even more. Seek out social support. Spend enough time with those you love. Seek treatment with a psychologist or other mental health professional trained in stress management or biofeedback techniques to learn more healthy ways of dealing with the stress in your life.
If you haven’t already, make sure you download our FREE ebook: What to do When You’re Stressed to the Max.
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Disclaimer: Doctor Me and You focuses exclusively on wellness education and does not provide medical services. We are not state-licensed physicians and do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for any condition. Information shared during consultations or in communications is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for medical concerns.