How Reduced Blood Sugar Lowers BP And Cardiovascular Risks

Posted on by Jesse Santiano, M.D.

Controlling blood sugar is crucial not only for managing diabetes but also for supporting overall cardiovascular health.

While many are aware of the direct effects of high blood sugar on conditions like type 2 diabetes, fewer realize how closely linked blood sugar is to blood pressure and kidney health.

High blood sugar can strain the kidneys, leading to increased blood pressure and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

In this article, we’ll explore the mechanisms that link blood sugar control with blood pressure regulation and kidney function and how diet and exercise can help manage all three to lower cardiovascular risks.

The Link Between Blood Sugar, Kidney Function, and Blood Pressure

  1. Impact of High Blood Sugar on Kidney Function:

    • The kidneys filter blood, remove waste, and maintain fluid balance.
    • When blood sugar levels are consistently high, the kidneys must work harder to filter the excess glucose.
    • Over time, this can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function properly, a condition known as diabetic nephropathy.
    • As kidney function declines, the kidneys struggle to regulate fluids and salts, leading to increased blood pressure.
    • This condition often creates a feedback loop: high blood pressure can worsen kidney damage, leading to further blood sugar and blood pressure increases.

  2. Renal Threshold and Glucose Excretion:

    • The renal threshold for glucose is the blood glucose level at which kidneys start to excrete glucose in the urine.
    • When blood sugar spikes above this threshold, excess glucose is excreted, temporarily lowering blood glucose.
    • However, frequent spiking over this threshold can strain the kidneys, and glucose excretion alone isn’t enough to sustain blood sugar.
    • Over time, as the kidneys become damaged, they are less effective at filtering, and chronic high blood pressure can further accelerate kidney damage.
    • Keeping blood sugar within normal ranges helps reduce strain on the kidneys, thereby preventing high blood pressure and preserving kidney health.

  3. Insulin Resistance and Its Role in Hypertension:

    • Insulin resistance, common in type 2 diabetes, often leads to high blood pressure.
    • When cells become resistant to insulin, the body compensates by producing more insulin, which can cause the kidneys to retain sodium and water.
    • This increases blood volume, leading to higher blood pressure.
    • Insulin resistance also causes the walls of blood vessels to constrict, further increasing blood pressure.
    • Therefore, individuals can help mitigate these blood pressure effects by managing blood sugar and reducing insulin resistance.

How Diet and Exercise Control Both Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure

Proper diet and regular exercise are essential for managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Here’s how they work:

  1. Dietary Choices and Blood Sugar/Blood Pressure Control

    • Low-Glycemic Foods: Foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins, help maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing insulin spikes that can elevate blood pressure.
    • Diets rich in fiber also slow down glucose absorption, further helping blood sugar control.
    • Reduced Sodium Intake: A diet low in processed foods reduces sodium intake, helping prevent water retention and lowering blood pressure.
    • High-fiber foods and fruits rich in potassium (e.g., bananas oranges) help balance sodium levels, which is beneficial for blood pressure and blood sugar control.
    • Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Foods like berries, nuts, leafy greens, and olive oil are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect blood vessels and improve blood pressure and blood sugar regulation.
    • These foods reduce oxidative stress and prevent the formation of AGEs that damage blood vessels.

  2. The Role of Exercise in Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Management

    • Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, improves insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to use glucose more effectively.
    • As insulin sensitivity increases, the body requires less insulin, reducing blood pressure by lowering sodium and water retention.
    • Reduces Stress Hormones: Exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress hormones like cortisol, which can elevate blood pressure when consistently high. Reduced stress also improves blood sugar control, as stress hormones can raise blood glucose.
    • Increased Blood Flow to Kidneys: Exercise improves circulation, ensuring that kidneys receive adequate blood supply, which supports their filtering capacity. Regular physical activity also reduces stress hormones that can negatively impact blood pressure and blood sugar.
    • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight relieves pressure on the kidneys and heart, reducing risks for both high blood pressure and blood sugar dysregulation. Exercise helps prevent obesity, a significant contributor to insulin resistance and hypertension.
    • Strengthens the Heart and Blood Vessels: Exercise helps maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels.
    • Improving circulation reduces arterial stiffness and strengthens heart muscles, which lowers blood pressure and supports efficient blood sugar management.

Mechanisms: Why Controlling Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Lowers Cardiovascular Risks

  1. Reduced Risk of Atherosclerosis:

    • High blood sugar and high blood pressure contribute to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries that restricts blood flow and increases cardiovascular risk.
    • Stable blood sugar levels reduce the formation of AGEs, while lower blood pressure prevents excessive strain on blood vessels, reducing plaque buildup.

  2. Lowering Inflammation and Oxidative Stress:

    • Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are major contributors to cardiovascular disease.
    • By managing blood sugar, inflammation pathways that damage blood vessels are reduced.
    • Antioxidants from a balanced diet and regular exercise combat oxidative stress, protecting the heart and blood vessels from damage.

  3. Improved Cholesterol Profile:

    • Both high blood sugar and high blood pressure negatively impact cholesterol levels, mainly by lowering HDL (“good” cholesterol) and raising LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides.
    • A balanced diet and exercise can improve cholesterol profiles, reducing the risk of CVD.
    •  Related: How High Blood Sugar Makes Your Good Cholesterol Turn Bad

  4. Prevention of Cardiac Hypertrophy:

    • When blood pressure is high, the heart must work harder, leading to an enlargement of the heart muscles, known as cardiac hypertrophy.
    • This condition can lead to heart failure over time. Blood sugar control and normal blood pressure protect the heart from this excessive workload, lowering the risk of heart-related complications.

  5. Protecting Kidney Function:

    • Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels prevents the kidneys from working excessively to filter out glucose, reducing the risk of kidney damage.
    • Healthy kidney function improves blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance, lowering cardiovascular risks.

Practical Tips for Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Control

  1. Focus on a Balanced, Low-Glycemic Diet:
    • To maintain stable blood sugar and lower blood pressure, prioritize whole foods, lean proteins, and fiber-rich vegetables. Limit processed foods, refined sugars, and salt.
  2. Exercise Regularly:
    • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, such as walking, jogging, or cycling.
    • Combine with strength training twice weekly to support overall cardiovascular health and metabolic function.
  3. Manage Stress Levels:
    • Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce cortisol levels and improve blood pressure and blood sugar control.
  4. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Related: 102 Easy Ways to Lower Post-Prandial Blood Sugar Without Meds

Conclusion

Controlling blood sugar through diet and exercise supports metabolic health and plays a vital role in managing blood pressure.

Together, these practices reduce cardiovascular risks, protecting the heart and blood vessels from the cumulative damage caused by elevated blood sugar and blood pressure.

By focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle practices, individuals can effectively manage both blood sugar and blood pressure, leading to long-term health benefits and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Don’t Get Sick!

Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share and like.

If you find value in this website, please consider buying a coffee or two or five to show your support.

References

  • Kearney, P. M., et al. (2005). “Global burden of hypertension: analysis of worldwide data.” The Lancet, vol. 365, no. 9455, pp. 217-223.
  • Reaven, G. M. (2005). “The insulin resistance syndrome: definition and dietary approaches to treatment.” Annual Review of Nutrition, vol. 25, pp. 391-406.
  • Colberg, S. R., et al. (2010). “Exercise and type 2 diabetes: the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association: joint position statement.” Diabetes Care, vol. 33, no. 12, pp. e147-e167.
  • Grundy, S. M., et al. (2019). “2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: executive summary.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, vol. 73, no. 24, pp. 3168-3209.
  • OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com

© 2018 – 2024 Asclepiades Medicine, LLC. All Rights Reserved
DrJesseSantiano.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *