Study gives strongest link yet between blood pressure and diabetes. At first glance these might be considered two unconnected conditions, but research over the years has led to diabetes being classified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Researchers looked at data on more than 4 million people in the UK who were free of any vascular disease or diabetes. They then analysed these people’s medical records for around seven years and recorded new cases of diabetes and changes in blood pressure.

People with high blood pressure were found to have around a 50% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers then backed up their findings by looking at previous research and found a risk of more than 70%.

While these types of studies can’t prove increased blood pressure causes diabetes, they lend weight to the advice to take steps to lower your blood pressure if it’s high to reduce your risk of diabetes.

Published by NHS