Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) often go hand in
hand. Both are linked to our aging population, a sedentary
lifestyle and obesity. There is also a metabolic link between type
2 diabetes and hypertension due to a resistance in the way the body
reacts to insulin. Increases in blood insulin make the blood
vessels widen. This widening affects the sympathetic nervous system
and, directly or indirectly, makes the kidneys retain salt, which
raises the blood pressure. Excessive blood insulin also promotes
atherosclerosis, which hardens the blood vessels, further elevating
blood pressure. Blood pressure should be treated to 130/80 in
people with diabetes.