Combatting Diabetes and Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition that forces your heart to work harder to pump blood. Continued high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing diabetes and vice versa, which is why the two are commonly seen together. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either struggles to produce insulin or struggles to effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to high blood sugar levels, which can cause harm to all of your organs.

Nobody wants to receive these diagnoses. We get it — it’s scary and can make you wonder what’s next. However, you can do several things to help control and potentially reverse your diagnosis. 

• Refresh your diet: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Order a salad instead of fries with your burger. Replace salad dressing with olive oil and vinegar. Food is medicine, and with hypertension and diabetes, what you eat can have an amazing effect on improving your condition. 
• Get enough exercise: Don't overexert yourself; it’s a marathon not a sprint. Start with a 10-minute walk and increase your distance each day.
• Sleep soundly: Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night will improve how you feel every day. Aim to go to bed around the same time each night, find your ideal temperature for sleeping, and avoid using your phone at least 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.

As a university employee, you don’t have to start making wellness improvements alone. 

Real Appeal is an online weight-loss program available to you at no additional cost. It is designed to help you lose weight and be the best version of yourself at your own pace.

The most important thing to remember is that change does not happen overnight — it’s gradual. As you begin to adjust your lifestyle, it’s important to be kind to yourself. Be proud for taking the first steps toward a better you!