By Joy Pape, RN, BSN, CDE, WOCN, CFCN

Two out of three adults who have diabetes have high blood pressure. When you have both conditions, it increases your risk for complications, such as blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, strokes and other health problems. The good news is you can prevent these complications by taking an active role in managing your blood pressure and blood glucose.

Your role in managing your blood pressure and diabetes

Most people with diabetes are given a blood glucose monitor. They are advised on how to check their blood glucose, what their numbers should be and how often to check. You may have even been referred to a diabetes education program to learn all you can about your diabetes, so you can manage it.

Unfortunately, many people are not instructed on how to manage their blood pressure. Just as with your blood glucose, your blood pressure is not the same all the time; it varies by the minute, hour and for many, by the time of day. The longer your blood pressure is above a certain level, the higher your risk for heart and kidney disease, stroke and other complications. If your blood pressure is too low, you may become light-headed, dizzy and confused. You may even fall and hurt yourself. You can help prevent these complications by knowing what your blood pressure should be and knowing what it actually is, so you can take action and manage your blood pressure, too.

You are unique. Although the numbers on the opposite page are a good guideline for you, talk with your health care team about the number that’s right for you.

Blood pressure cuff

Using a cuff that doesn’t fit correctly or that isn’t properly working is one of the biggest problems in getting an accurate blood pressure reading. To find out the blood pressure cuff for you, measure around your upper arm (between your elbow and shoulder) with a tape measure. This is called your arm circumference. If your cuff size is not available, ask your Walgreens pharmacist for assistance.

Times to take your blood pressure

Several studies show that many people have an early morning increase in blood pressure called “Morning Hypertension.” Leading cardiologists warn that early morning is the riskiest time for people to have blood pressure problems, as this can increase your risk of stroke. They recommend you take your blood pressure in the evening and early morning. Ask your health care provider when you should check your blood pressure. Some new blood pressure monitors automatically track your morning and evening blood pressure readings. Ask your Walgreens pharmacist about these products.

Discuss your readings with your health care team

Recording your numbers and how you feel is important. You can use the handwritten diary we have provided for you, the one that comes with your blood pressure monitor or the memory in your blood pressure monitor. Be sure to keep track of anything out of the ordinary, such as missing your medication, feeling lightheaded, having a headache or feeling exceptionally good. Take this information with you to discuss with your health care team at each visit.

Although there are steps to take to manage your blood pressure, it all starts with knowing what your blood pressure is. Not just once every few days, weeks or months, but different times of the day. Monitoring your blood pressure at home gives you the information you need to best manage your blood pressure. 

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

Monitoring your blood pressure at home is a very important step in managing your blood pressure. In doing so, it is important to:

• have a blood pressure monitor that is accurate
• a blood pressure cuff that fits correctly
• take your blood pressure at certain times of the day
• follow the instructions that come with your blood pressure monitor
• discuss your readings with your health care team.

Accuracy of blood pressure monitors

Choose a monitor that states it is independently validated for accuracy or clinically proven accurate. Also bring your blood pressure monitor with you to your health care visit and compare your monitor’s reading with theirs to see if yours is accurate. If you have any problem in selecting a monitor, ask your Walgreens pharmacist to help you.

3 good reasons to monitor your blood pressure at home

1. A condition called “Morning Hypertension.” Several studies show that many people have an early morning increase in blood pressure. Leading cardiologists warn that early morning is the riskiest time for people to have blood pressure problems. If you are just having your blood pressure checked at your doctor’s office or clinic you may not know if you have “morning hypertension” or not.
2. “White Coat Hypertension.” This means your blood pressure goes up when a health care provider checks your blood pressure. People who have this find their blood pressure at home is lower or even normal when using an accurate blood pressure monitor at home.
3. Some people have the opposite effect called “Masked Hypertension.” In this case your blood pressure would be normal when your health care provider checks your blood pressure, but it is high at other times. It is important for you to monitor your blood pressure to make sure you get the treatment you need to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range all the time.

Every blood pressure monitor is different. Follow the instructions that come with your monitor to get an accurate reading.