Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide.

More than 37 million people, or 15% of the U.S. adult population, have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most cases are Type 2 (adult-onset diabetes).

According to the CDC, an estimated 37% of U.S. adults with diagnosed diabetes have chronic kidney disease. Harvard Medical School reports that up to 40% of people with Type 2 diabetes will develop kidney failure, and they usually have no symptoms until their kidney function drops below 30 ml/min (CKD Stage 4).

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of CKD in the U.S.

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

• The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
• The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you can say, “120 over 80,” or write, “120/80 mmHg.”

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHg. Only one in four adults with hypertension in the U.S. have their condition under control below this level, according to Million Hearts. Having uncontrolled hypertension puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke.

High blood pressure can also constrict and narrow the blood vessels in your kidneys, which reduces blood flow and decreases kidney function. When this happens, the kidneys are unable to remove all waste and extra fluid from your body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels can raise your blood pressure, creating a dangerous cycle leading to chronic kidney disease.

Approximately one in five adults in the U.S. with high blood pressure may have chronic kidney disease. Although Black Americans make up about 13% of the population, they account for 35% of those with kidney failure in the U.S., according to the National Kidney Foundation.

It’s important to have regular blood pressure screenings because high blood pressure and the early stages of chronic kidney disease usually don’t cause physical symptoms. Following a healthy diet and taking medicine for high blood pressure may keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse and may prevent other health problems such as heart disease.