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Diabetes & Hypertension

Diabetes and hypertension are two of the main causes of chronic kidney disease. Find out how you can control diabetes and high blood pressure to help protect your kidneys.

Blood Pressure and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

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The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes. Diabetes happens when your blood sugar is too high, causing damage to many of the organs in your body, including the kidneys. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the pressure of your blood against the walls of our blood vessels increases. If uncontrolled, high blood pressure can be a leading cause of strokes, heart disease and kidney failure.

Remember: High blood pressure and kidney disease are closely related. High blood pressure can cause kidney disease, it can speed up the progression of kidney disease, as well as result from kidney disease.

If you have questions or concerns about high blood pressure, make an appointment to visit with your doctor.

Blood Pressure Treatment Goals*:

130/80mm Hg or lower If you are risk for kidney disease, or have diabetes or coronary artery disease
120/80mm Hg or lower If you are a healthy adult

*US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health

How Can You Control Your Blood Pressure?

Check it regularly. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly, and keep a record of your results.
Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity – at least 30 minutes most days of the week – can help lower your blood pressure.
Maintain a healthy weight. Blood pressure often increases as your weight increases. Losing just ten pounds can help reduce your blood pressure.
Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can lower your blood pressure.
Reduce the sodium in your diet. Even a small reduction in the amount of sodium in your diet can help reduce blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, aim for no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day in your diet.
Take your medication. If you have been prescribed medication to control your blood pressure, make sure you take it regularly, even thought you might be feeling good.
Don’t smoke. Tobacco injures your blood vessels and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries.
Limit your use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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