About Diabetes and Hypertension

Important Information about Diabetes and Hypertension

More than 20 million Americans (approximately 7% of the U.S. population) have type 2 diabetes, a disease becoming more prevalent with advancing age and obesity.

In addition, approximately 15 million Americans, or three out of every four adults with diabetes, also have hypertension (high blood pressure).

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life.

People with diabetes have an elevated risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye complications, nerve damage, foot and skin complications, and depression.

There are approximately 20.8 million people in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, 6.2 million people (nearly 33%) are unaware that they have the disease.

Hypertension and Diabetes

Hypertension is defined as having blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg and is an extremely common condition among individuals living with diabetes, affecting 20-60% of all diagnosed patients, depending on obesity, ethnicity and age.

Obesity may be a common link between the two disorders, but other factors such as insulin resistance and autonomic dysfunction may also be involved. In general, only 25% of patients with hypertension have adequate control of their blood pressure.

The DUO-CARE Solution

The new DUO-CARE™ monitor represents an exciting advancement in diabetes home monitoring because it combines tests for both factors of critical importance to diabetics - blood glucose and blood pressure - in one convenient, affordable, easy-to-use monitor.