Diabetes and hypertension: what to know

Diabetes can damage blood vessels over time, while high blood pressure adds force against vessel walls. Together they can increase the workload on the heart and affect kidney function. Hypertension often has no clear symptoms, so feeling well does not show whether pressure is controlled.

Your clinician may review home blood-pressure readings, glucose results, kidney tests, cholesterol, medicines and lifestyle factors. Obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea can influence both conditions, but treatment should be tailored to your health and daily routine.

Take prescribed medicines consistently and do not stop them because a reading improves. Check blood pressure and glucose using the technique and schedule you were given, and bring the record to reviews. Choose regular activity that is safe for you, limit highly salty processed foods, avoid smoking and attend planned kidney and cardiovascular checks. Ask before using over-the-counter medicines that may affect blood pressure or kidneys.

Call emergency services for sudden facial drooping, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, severe chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting or a sudden severe headache. These may signal stroke, heart or blood-pressure complications and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask what readings to aim for, how often to check kidney function, whether each medicine remains suitable, and which symptoms should trigger same-day advice.