Diabetes: Keeping Your Heart Healthy
6 tips to lower your blood pressure
Did you know that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is more likely to impact someone with diabetes? For 1.5 million Veterans with diabetes, this means a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
Whether you’re managing diabetes, hypertension, or both, we have tips to help you stay healthy.
Lower your blood pressure
Hypertension is blood pressure that stays high over time. Most people with it feel fine. The only way to know you have hypertension is to check your blood pressure. These 6 tips can lower your blood pressure, which can protect your kidneys and heart:
Eat heart-healthy foods
Follow a low-salt eating plan like the DASH diet. DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.” This eating plan can help lower blood pressure. Following the DASH eating plan doesn’t require special foods. Instead, DASH focuses on daily and weekly nutrition goals.
Learn more about the DASH diet
Get active
Try more activities that raise your heart rate, like a brisk walk or working in the yard. Aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of exercise each week.
Learn more about the benefits of exercise on the Veterans Health Library website
Achieve a healthy weight
Excess weight is a major risk factor for heart disease. Safely losing weight has many benefits including lowering your blood pressure, improving your cholesterol level, and decreasing your risk for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Learn more about losing weight on the Veterans Health Library website
Stop smoking
One of the many health benefits of quitting smoking is lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol. Ask your doctor about counseling, medication and other ways to quit.
Learn more about VA support for quitting smoking
Limit alcohol
Not only can alcohol raise your blood pressure, it can also affect your blood sugar levels. Before drinking any alcohol, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you decide if you can drink safely.
Learn more about diabetes and alcohol on the Veterans Health Library website
Manage stress
Stress makes your heart work harder. Meditation or yoga may help.
Learn more about managing stress
Talk to your health care team
Your doctor may also prescribe blood pressure medicine. Next time you see your doctor, make a list of questions to discuss the right plan for you.
Learn what questions to ask your doctor about your blood pressure
You can also reach out to your health care team with Secure Messaging to discuss your blood pressure readings or lifestyle changes.
Learn more about Secure Messaging
Sign in to manage your health care
In 2025, you'll need to use a Login.gov or ID.me account to sign in to My HealtheVet and other VA tools.
You must be a VA patient to access some parts of your VA health record. If you’re not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply now.
Learn how to apply for VA health care
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