We have often talked in the forum about how type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure usually appear together.Many of you live with both and know what it means to add high blood pressure to glucose control.For years professionals have observed this coincidence, but now research from the University of Surrey and the University of Lille has gone a step further by identifying that they could share a common genetic basis.
The study analyzed more than 1,300 genetic variants related to both glucose regulation and blood pressure control.From there, they identified different groups of variants associated with processes such as metabolic syndrome, deterioration in the function of pancreatic beta cells, increased adiposity or vascular dysfunction.When they applied these genetic scores to more than 450,000 people from the UK Biobank, they found that those with certain profiles had a much higher risk of developing both type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
This does not mean that everything is written in our genes or that we cannot influence it with our habits, but it does help us understand something very important: genetic risk is stable throughout life.It doesn't change like diet or physical activity level can.This information allows us to identify high-risk subgroups and move towards more predictive and personalized medicine.Instead of applying the same monitoring to everyone, prevention and treatment could be adapted according to the biological profile of each person.
For those of you living with type 2 diabetes, these types of studies also have an emotional impact.Many times we carry the feeling that “we have done something wrong.”Knowing that there is a shared genetic architecture between diabetes and hypertension reminds us that we are talking about complex diseases, with multiple biological pathways that can lead to the same result.It is not just a matter of will or lifestyle, although habits remain fundamental.
In daily practice, it remains key to control glucose, monitor blood pressure, attend check-ups and maintain the prescribed treatment.But better understanding what happens in our body gives us tools, peace of mind and arguments to explain to our partner, our family or our friends that type 2 diabetes and hypertension are not simple labels, but deep biological processes that require monitoring and support.
Maybe this is a good time to open more conversation in the forum about blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. Do you monitor your blood pressure at home?Did the diagnosis of hypertension change anything in your way of taking care of yourself?Sharing how you experienced it can greatly help other members who are starting this path.Because when we better understand what happens to us and share it, the load becomes lighter and the community becomes a true support network.
