What causes low blood pressure in diabetic patients?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
In general, low blood pressure in diabetic patients may be caused by factors such as insufficient water intake, poor nutrition, medication, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, or inadequate blood volume. Some diabetic patients sweat excessively or drink too little water, and if fluids are not replenished in time, dehydration can occur, leading to reduced circulating blood volume and consequently low blood pressure.
In general, low blood pressure in diabetic patients may be caused by factors such as insufficient water intake, nutritional deficiencies, medications, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, or inadequate blood volume. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Insufficient Water Intake
Some diabetic patients sweat excessively or drink too little water and fail to replenish fluids promptly. Dehydration can lead to reduced circulatory blood volume, resulting in low blood pressure. Diabetic patients are advised to stay adequately hydrated, especially when sweating heavily.
2. Nutritional Deficiency
When blood glucose levels are excessively high, large amounts of glucose are excreted in the urine, reducing the amount of carbohydrates available for the body to use. As a result, the body begins breaking down fat for energy. If the patient has irregular eating habits and consumes insufficient food, malnutrition may develop. Malnutrition can lead to reduced blood volume, causing low blood pressure. Diabetic patients should maintain a balanced diet and consume more high-protein foods such as fish and lean meat.
3. Medications
Some diabetic patients also suffer from hypertension or other conditions and therefore require antihypertensive drugs to maintain stable blood pressure. Overuse of antihypertensive medications or abnormal drug metabolism may increase blood drug concentrations, leading to low blood pressure. In such cases, patients should immediately discontinue the antihypertensive medication and seek medical attention. Doctors will reassess blood glucose and blood pressure levels and adjust the treatment plan accordingly for managing both blood sugar and blood pressure.
4. Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy
If diabetic patients do not properly control their blood glucose levels over time, elevated glucose can cause autonomic nerve damage. Once autonomic nerves are impaired, blood pressure regulation may become disrupted, leading to low blood pressure. Patients are advised to consume more high-protein foods such as milk and eggs, engage in appropriate physical exercise, and, under medical guidance, take traditional Chinese medicines such as Buzhong Yiqi Pills or Shengmai Drink.
5. Inadequate Blood Volume
Significant sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding (e.g., gastrointestinal hemorrhage) can lead to volume depletion, resulting in low blood pressure. Treatment may involve fluid replacement; in severe cases, blood transfusion and vasopressor medications may be necessary. Blood transfusion can help improve the condition.
Diabetic patients experiencing low blood pressure should seek prompt medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance.
