Why blood pressure matters more with diabetes
High blood sugar and high blood pressure both strain the blood vessels. Together they raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and eye damage more than either one alone. That is why diabetes care pays so much attention to blood pressure.
What the ADA recommends
The American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care for 2026 say:
- Measure blood pressure at every routine visit, or at least every 6 months.
- People with diabetes and high blood pressure should monitor it at home, after being shown how.
- The usual treatment goal is below 130/80 mmHg if it can be reached safely, and below 120 systolic is encouraged for people at high heart or kidney risk.
Your own goal is set with your doctor. It depends on your age, other conditions and how you tolerate treatment.
Keeping both logs in one routine
Twenty years of paper logging taught me that the easiest log to keep is the one that fits a routine you already have. If you check your blood sugar before breakfast, that is also a natural moment to check your blood pressure:
- Sit down with your meter and your blood pressure monitor.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then take two blood pressure readings a minute apart.
- Check your blood sugar.
- Write all of it down before you get up.
Do the same in the evening. Keep both pages together, and bring both to your appointment.
One page or two?
If you want blood sugar and blood pressure on the same page, our sister site sugarlogmaker makes printable blood sugar logs, and you can add a column for blood pressure. If you test blood sugar many times a day, two separate logs usually stay tidier: the blood pressure log here and a blood sugar log next to it.
Not medical advice. This guide is general information. Your target, how often to measure and your treatment come from your doctor, who knows your situation.
Make a blood pressure logPrint it next to your blood sugar log and keep both by your meter.Questions
What is a normal blood pressure for someone with diabetes?
The categories are the same as for everyone; see the blood pressure chart. The usual treatment goal for people with diabetes and high blood pressure is below 130/80 mmHg, according to the ADA. Your own goal comes from your doctor.
How often should I check my blood pressure if I have diabetes?
Your doctor should check it at every routine visit. If you have high blood pressure as well, the ADA suggests monitoring it at home too. Ask your doctor how often.
Does high blood sugar raise blood pressure?
They are linked in several ways, and they often occur together. Ask your doctor how your own numbers affect each other.
Can I measure blood pressure right after a low?
It is better to wait until you have treated the low and feel normal again, then rest for 5 minutes before measuring. Note the low on your log.
Is this medical advice?
No. It is general information and my own routine. Your targets and treatment come from your doctor.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association. 10. Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care 2026;49(Suppl 1):S216–S245
- American Heart Association. Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home
- American Heart Association. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings