MONITORING BLOOD PRESSURE

Blood pressure control is critical for the prevention of both microvascular and mac­rovascular complications of diabetes. The goal should be to have blood pressure measurements consistently below 130/80. Sometimes you may find that the blood pressure is high only when you see a doctor or when you see a particular doctor (a phenomenon called white-coat hypertension). If this is the case, ask to have your blood pressure measured when you see other doctors, or buy a home blood pressure machine and use those blood pressure measurements as a guide to treatment. Blood pressure is often easier to control than blood glucose levels, and controlling blood pressure is just as beneficial to your health. You doctor may not routinely recommend measuring blood pressure at home unless there is a suggestion that you have white­coat hypertension or symptoms that might be due to low or high blood pressure.