Did you know that hypertension (high blood pressure) affects about 1 in 4 adults and diabetes affects about 1 in 12 of the American population? Many of you reading this post could have diabetes, hypertension or both and not even know it. When was the last time you made an appointment with your medical doctor for a physical? If it has been over 12 months since your last physical, then I would highly recommend making an appointment with your medical doctor as soon as possible to review your health status.
As an optometrists, I work closely with both diabetics and individuals with high blood pressure due to the association of these diseases with the eye. It is very important that everyone have their eyes dilated at least once a year, even if you have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes. Optometrists can identify early changes in your eye health that can be the effect of undiagnosed high blood pressure or diabetes. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes, optometrists can make sure these diseases are not affecting your ocular health.
I believe we should be doing everything possible to avoid acquiring high blood pressure and/or diabetes. So, what are some things you can do to detect if you may have high blood pressure or diabetes? In my opinion, every household should have a blood pressure monitor and a glucose meter (to measure blood sugar levels) even if you are not hypertensive or diabetic. Although using these devices allow you to monitor your blood sugar and blood pressure, they DO NOT replace an annual physical with a medical doctor. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can be acquired at your local pharmacy or online.
I would recommend that non-diabetics check their blood sugar multiple times during the week both before and after eating and exercise. I would recommend checking your blood pressure at random times of the day but especially when under stress.
It is amazing to see how foods, stress and sickness can affect your blood sugar and your blood pressure. Knowing how your body responds to various foods, stress and sickness will motivate you to change your habits.
Too many people rely solely on a scale to monitor their health progress. If someone is improving their diet and exercise routine and they don't see improvements on their weight, they can get discouraged easily and fall back to their old unhealthy patterns. Seeing improvements in your blood sugar and blood pressure following improved diet and exercise will keep you motivated to remain with your program even if you are not seeing immediate results on the scale.
Click HERE to view a great article about how to check your blood pressure and HERE to view an article about having your blood sugar checked.
Remember, checking your blood sugar and blood pressure at home does not replace the need to see your medical doctor at least annually. Also, have your eyes dilated annually by your optometrist even if you don't have any symptoms or complaints.
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