Published on: 2025-06-21 | Written by:
With the growing number of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and the frequent presence of high blood pressure alongside it, a recent study highlights the effectiveness of a modified DASH diet in significantly improving the health of these patients by lowering blood pressure.
DASH stands for "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension".
It is a nutritional plan that emphasizes:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Healthy proteins like fish and poultry
Reduced salt, saturated fats, and added sugars
Originally developed to manage high blood pressure, the DASH diet has also proven effective in lowering the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
The study revealed that adapting the traditional DASH diet to the specific needs of type 2 diabetes patients led to even greater reductions in blood pressure. Key findings include:
A drop in systolic blood pressure by 4.6 mm Hg
A drop in diastolic blood pressure by 2.3 mm Hg
Improved blood sugar control
Enhanced weight loss outcomes
The adjustments included:
Reducing sodium intake to under 1,500 mg per day
Focusing on low glycemic index foods
Increasing dietary fiber to boost insulin sensitivity
Limiting simple carbohydrates (like white sugar and white bread)
People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk for hypertension, which increases the likelihood of complications such as:
Cardiovascular diseases
Kidney damage
Vision loss
Strokes
Therefore, adopting a dietary approach that helps control both blood pressure and glucose levels is a highly effective and safe treatment strategy.
If you have type 2 diabetes and suffer from high blood pressure, speak with your doctor or a dietitian about trying a modified version of the DASH diet. It could make a significant difference in your overall health and protect you from serious complications.