Can Low Blood Sugar Cause High Blood Pressure?

Blood sugar levels, also known as glucose levels, play a significant role in maintaining overall health. Abnormal or problematic blood sugar levels can affect various body functions and lead to serious health issues. The relationship between blood sugar levels and blood pressure is also concerning. Here’s how to keep both blood sugar and blood pressure controlled.

What Does Your Blood Sugar Result Tell?

At least 2 tests with abnormal results are required for diagnosis. These are based on glucose test results after an overnight fasting:

• 99 mg/dL or lower = Normal
• 100 – 125 mg/dL = Pre-diabetes
• 126 or higher = Type 2 diabetes

Random glucose test results:

This is a glucose test you take without fasting; thus, the results may vary depending on what you have consumed.

• Normal: Not available
• Pre-diabetic: Not available
• Diabetic: 200 mg/dL or more

What is Blood Sugar (Diabetes)?

The amount of glucose found in your blood is known as blood sugar. Glucose comes from the food we eat and is the primary source of energy for the body. Our body uses insulin to process foods into glucose and then be consumed by the whole body. However, at times, when the body becomes insulin resistant or simply stops producing insulin, this glucose keeps circulating in our blood stream. This is the time when the body can no longer regulate blood glucose levels effectively, leading to either high or low blood sugar – known as diabetes.

Low Blood Sugar Symptoms:

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause symptoms like:

Below 70 mg/dL (Mild):

• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Extreme Hunger

Below 50 mg/dL (Moderate):

• Dizziness/Sleepiness
• Weakness or Anxiousness
• Difficulty in Concentrating & Speaking

Below 35 mg/dL (Severe):

• Seizure or irregular movements of the body
• Unconsciousness or Coma

Important: Always test your glucose levels before consuming a high blood sugar medicine. This is because these medicines act like insulin, and getting too much of it may result in hypoglycemia.

High Blood Sugar Symptoms:

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can lead to severe issues. The following are the early and later signs of high blood sugar:

Early Symptoms of Hyperglycemia:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained weight loss

Later Symptoms of Hyperglycemia:

• Shortness of Breath
• Confusion
• Dry Mouth
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Unconsciousness
• Nausea & vomiting
• Pain in abdomen

Important: If not treated, high blood sugar can lead to life-threatening issues, including cardiovascular disease (heart issues), nerve damage (signs include numbness, tingling, or pain, especially in hands or feet), kidney disease, and vision problems. High blood sugar can even result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a medical emergency.

How to Prevent Diabetes?

Preventing diabetes involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Regular physical activity
• Managing stress
• Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

While you may not be able to involve in hard workouts, it is important to at least walk at least 30 minutes a day. On top, keep monitoring your blood glucose. In case you find it difficult to prick your fingers daily, check out if you qualify for a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). This may be bought using a debit/credit card as well from a trusted supplier like CGM Monitors.

Who is at Higher Risk of Diabetes?

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of developing diabetes, such as:

• People with a family history of diabetes
• Obese or overweight individuals
• With high blood pressure
• People over the age of 45
• People with inactive lifestyle

Causes of Low or High Blood Sugar

Blood sugar levels can be affected by various factors. Low blood sugar is typically caused by:

• Skipping meals
• Overuse of diabetes medication
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Did you know?

Women with diabetes may experience hypoglycemia more frequently than men. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menstruation or pregnancy, can affect how the body processes insulin and glucose.

High blood sugar is often a result of:

• Poor diet, especially high in refined sugars and carbohydrates
• Lack of exercise
• Insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance (common in Type 2 diabetes)

How to Avoid Low Blood Sugar

To avoid low blood sugar, individuals can:

• Eat regular meals and snacks, especially those rich in fibre and protein
• Monitor blood sugar regularly if diabetic
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption without food

How to Avoid High Blood Sugar

To avoid high blood sugar, you can:

• Follow a healthy diet low in processed foods
• Exercise regularly to improve insulin sensitivity
• Manage stress levels
• Take medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider

Can Low Blood Sugar Cause High Blood Pressure?

While low blood sugar is generally not a direct cause of high blood pressure, the two conditions can be linked. When blood sugar drops too low, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to counteract the drop, which may, in turn, raise blood pressure temporarily.

Chronic hypoglycemia, especially in those with diabetes, can also lead to long-term complications, including cardiovascular issues, which might indirectly affect blood pressure regulation.

Common Causes of High Blood Pressure

Some common causes of high blood pressure (hypertension) include:

• Poor diet (high salt intake, excessive sugar)
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic kidney disease
• Stress

Common Causes of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can be caused by:

• Dehydration
• Blood loss
• Heart problems (like slow heart rate, heart valve issues)
• Severe infection (sepsis)
• Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers)

How High Sugar Levels Affect Women

For women, high blood sugar and diabetes can lead to additional risks:

• Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart disease compared to men. Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, can make it harder for women to control their blood sugar levels. Additionally, high blood sugar increases the likelihood of developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both of which contribute to cardiovascular issues.
• Diabetic Complications: Women with diabetes may also experience more severe complications like kidney disease and nerve damage compared to men. This underscores the importance of managing blood sugar levels to prevent these outcomes.

How High Sugar Levels Affect Men

Men with high blood sugar are also at risk of serious cardiovascular problems. Some effects include:

• Higher Risk of Erectile Dysfunction: High blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels involved in erectile function, leading to erectile dysfunction. This is a common issue among men with diabetes and can affect their quality of life.
• Increased Heart Disease Risk: Like women, men with poorly controlled diabetes are at increased risk for heart disease. The combination of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol often leads to the early onset of heart attacks or strokes.

Vice Versa: Can Low Blood Pressure Cause Low Blood Sugar?

Hypotension (low blood pressure) does not directly cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, both conditions can share underlying causes, such as severe dehydration, blood loss, or stress, which might affect both blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Effects of High Blood Sugar on the Heart

High blood sugar, especially when left uncontrolled over time, can have serious effects on the heart. Consistently elevated glucose levels can damage blood vessels, leading to numerous cardiovascular problems:

1. Increased Risk of Atherosclerosis: High blood sugar levels can cause the walls of blood vessels to stiffen and narrow due to the buildup of fatty deposits, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This reduces blood flow to the heart and other organs, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
2. Increased Blood Pressure: Over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). The damage to the blood vessels caused by high glucose can make it more difficult for the arteries to expand and contract, raising the force of blood flow through them.
3. Heart Disease and Heart Failure: People with poorly managed diabetes are at an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure. This is due to the combined effects of high blood sugar and high blood pressure, both of which strain the heart and blood vessels.
4. Risk of Arrhythmias: High blood sugar can also affect the electrical signals of the heart, leading to abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). This can potentially cause serious health issues if left untreated.

Conclusion

Both low and high blood sugar conditions can lead to serious complications, including heart disease and high blood pressure. It is essential to monitor blood sugar levels regularly, eat a healthy diet, stay active, and avoid harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Continuous glucose monitoring is easier with the help of CGM devices, which can further automate insulin injection with the help of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. By taking these steps, you can lower the risk of complications and live a healthier life.