Diabetes
A chronic metabolic disorder, diabetes occurs when your body is unable to use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to manage its blood sugar levels. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood and does not reach cells that require it for energy.
Type 2 diabetes is most common in patients that:
- do not exercise
- over the age of 45
- have high blood pressure
- were pre-diabetic during pregnancy
- genetically predisposed to it
Patients with type 2 diabetes can experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- frequent urination and thirst
- blurred vision
- numbness in hands and feet
- increased hunger
- fatigue
Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition that can lead to serious health problems, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems.
Most people with high blood pressure are unaware, since the symptoms can stay below notice for years at a time. For this reason, it’s important to visit your doctor regularly for a general medical check-up.
When blood pressure reaches life-threatening levels, the following symptoms may be noticeable:
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Confusion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pounding in the head or chest
- Sharp chest pains
Elevated blood pressure may be inherited or related to other factors including:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Diet high in saturated fat and/or sodium
- Age
- Excessive drinking
- Diabetes
- Physical inactivity
- Being male
- High-stress levels
You can manage your hypertension and lower your risk of stroke with lifestyle changes and medications prescribed by your physician. So don't hesitate! Get checked for hypertension today.