Why it is important to keep blood pressure under control

Image 1 of 2

A new analysis finds that huge benefits with controlling high blood pressure in those diabetic patients when it comes to lowering the risk of stroke or heart attack. 

"It is important to treat high blood pressure in type 2 diabetics," says Dr. Betul Hatipoglu of the Cleveland Clinic. "Especially when it is 140 or above systolic." 

After analyzing more than 100,000 people, researchers at Oxford found each decrease of 10 in the systolic blood pressure reading, the top number. 

There was a lower risk of death, a lower risk for heart disease events, lower stroke risk, and a lower risk of vision issues related to diabetes.

Researchers say even patients with blood pressure close to the normal range, around 130, should be considering blood pressure medication. 

"No matter what you use to treat these patients you were able to decrease mortality, heart disease, stroke, eye disease, and kidney disease," said Hatipoglu. "These are the important side-effects of type-2 diabetes."

The study titled "Blood Pressure Lowering in Type-2 Diabetes" is available online in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

One of the recommended ways to lower blood pressure without medication is the DASH Diet. To learn more CLICK HERE.