Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
- Heart disease and stroke: Hypertension and diabetes are both major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Hypertension damages the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can restrict blood flow to the heart and brain, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Kidney disease: Hypertension and diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney disease. Kidney disease can eventually lead to kidney failure, which is a life-threatening condition that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Eye damage: Hypertension and diabetes can also damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. These eye diseases can cause vision loss and blindness.
- Neuropathy: Diabetes can also damage the nerves, leading to neuropathy. Neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. It can also lead to complications such as foot ulcers and amputations.
2. Risk factors that may contribute to Lenora’s development of hypertension
There are a number of risk factors that may contribute to the development of hypertension, including:
- Age: Hypertension is more common in older adults.
- Race: African Americans are more likely to develop hypertension than people of other races.
- Family history: If you have a family history of hypertension, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
- Body mass index (BMI): Obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension.
- Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity increases the risk of hypertension.
- High sodium intake: A high sodium intake can increase blood pressure.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase blood pressure.
3. HbA1C
HbA1C is a blood test that measures the amount of glucose that has been attached to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. When blood sugar levels are high, more glucose attaches to hemoglobin.
HbA1C levels are used to monitor diabetes because they reflect average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. This is in contrast to blood sugar tests, which measure blood sugar levels at a single point in time.
4. Dietary counseling for Lenora to control her hypertension and diabetes
Lenora will need to follow a healthy diet to control her hypertension and diabetes. Her diet should be low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and high in fiber and nutrients.
Here are some specific dietary recommendations for Lenora:
- Limit sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day. This is about one teaspoon of salt.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are low in sodium and high in fiber and nutrients. Aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
- Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol levels.
- Choose lean protein sources. Lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, and beans, are low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Limit processed foods. Processed foods are often high in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
Here are two examples of healthy meals for Lenora:
Breakfast:
- Oatmeal with berries and nuts
- Hard-boiled egg
- Orange juice
Lunch:
- Salad with grilled chicken or fish
- Quinoa
- Whole-wheat bread
Dinner:
- Salmon with roasted vegetables
- Brown rice
- Side salad
Lenora may also need to adjust her diet depending on her medications. For example, people taking metformin may need to avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and rice.
Lenora should work with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan that meets her individual needs and preferences.
