Hypertension
If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure (hypertension).
Managing both is essential to protect your heart, kidneys, and overall health.
You can get a free blood pressure check if you:
- Are aged 40 or over
- Live in England
You cannot get a free blood pressure check if you:
- already have high blood pressure
- have had your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional in the past 6 months
What happens when you get your blood pressure checked
A pharmacist, or member of the pharmacy team, will wrap a blood pressure cuff around your upper arm to measure your blood pressure. They will then share the result with you.
Depending on the result, they might:
- Give you advice to support healthy living
- Give you a blood pressure monitor to take home with you and return later
- Advise you to see a GP
If you're registered with a GP surgery, your blood pressure reading will be added to your GP health record.
It will not be shared with anyone unless your blood pressure is very high or very low and you need urgent medical help.
- Diabetes can damage and stiffen blood vessels
- Being overweight or inactive can raise blood pressure
- High blood sugar can affect kidney function, increasing blood pressure
- Greater chance of developing heart and circulatory disease and experiencing a heart attack or stroke
- Higher risk of kidney damage
- Increased risk of eye complications (retinopathy)
- Complications develop faster when both conditions are present
- Eat a healthy diet - low salt, plenty of fruits & vegetables, limit processed foods
- Exercise regularly - 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64 - NHS
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Check blood pressure at home or at your GP clinic - keep a log to discuss with your doctor
- GP may prescribe blood pressure medicines
- Regular Health Checks - Eye exams for retinopathy, kidney function tests and heart and cholesterol checks. Please visit NHS Health Check - NHS for more information
Controlling both blood sugar and blood pressure is crucial. With the right lifestyle changes, monitoring, and treatment, you can reduce your risk of serious complications and stay healthy.
Notice symptoms? Don’t wait. Book an appointment with your GP. Early diagnosis and management can make a big difference!
Diabetes UK offer a dedicated diabetes helpline for all people with diabetes, their family or friends, and people who are worried they might be at risk.
Call the confidential helpline to talk to their highly trained advisors who have counselling skills and an extensive knowledge of diabetes. They can provide information about the condition, take the time to talk things through and explore emotional, social, psychological or practical difficulties.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Call: 0345 123 2399, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Email: helpline@diabetes.org.uk