Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension: The Global Causative Factor for Morbidity and Mortality
Mohammed Evuti Mahmud
*
Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, College of Nursing Sciences, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.
Umar Hannatu Asheagum
Department of Nursing Sciences, School of Health and Human Services, Saint Monica University, Buea, Cameroon.
Angulu Caleb Ndako
Department of Public Health, National Open University of Nigeria, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and Hypertension are widely recognized as the two major risk factors for the development of heart-related diseases and have been found to be more common in developing nations. They pose a serious threat to global public health due to rising rates of morbidity and mortality. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, non-communicable syndrome that is linked to a number of impairments, including hyperglycemia, insulin insufficiency, or receptor cell defects. When diabetes is present, elevated hyperglycemia can result in acute microvascular complications. The pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus can be adequately recognized with a basic understanding of glucose metabolism and the feedback mechanism of insulin action. About 40% of diseases related to the cardiovascular system are caused by hypertension, which is the most significant risk factor for complications like atherosclerosis and coronary artery diseases. The stage of obesity, advanced age, and prolonged atherosclerosis are associated with the co-occurrence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Effective blood pressure control is important for diabetic patients. As part of routine diagnosis on each scheduled diabetes check, blood pressure monitoring, a thorough medical history with a focus on cardiovascular risk factors, and the onset of diabetes complications should all be included in the initial screening, proper evaluation, and diagnosis of hypertensive and diabetic patients.
Keywords: Diabetes, mellitus, hypertension, risk factors