Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the most common disease in industrialized countries. If left untreated, it significantly contributes to damage to the kidneys, brain, and heart. In Germany, heart attacks are the leading cause of death. This text explains the relationship between diabetes and hypertension.
Prevalence of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Region / Country | Estimated Prevalence in Adults | Notes |
Europe | ~22–34% | In the European Union, around 22% of adults reported hypertension in 2019. In some Eastern European countries, prevalence exceeds 30%. |
United States | ~45–48% | Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension according to CDC data from 2021–2023. |
India | ~25–29% | Studies in India show hypertension prevalence ranging from 25% to 29% among adults, with increasing rates in urban and older populations. |
Literature References
High blood pressure often causes no noticeable symptoms for a long time. Only occasionally do patients experience headaches or fatigue. As a result, hypertension is usually discovered by chance. However, early detection and consistent treatment are very important in order to prevent secondary diseases and damage to organs.
Hypertension frequently does not occur alone, but rather in connection with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome refers to the combined occurrence of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia (a disorder of fat metabolism), and hypertension. Nearly all patients (approximately 90%) with type 2 diabetes have metabolic syndrome. In addition to impaired glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism disorders, and high blood pressure, these patients are often overweight and have elevated uric acid levels.
The cause of metabolic syndrome is predominantly genetic. There are individuals with severe obesity (grade 3 obesity) who never develop metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome develops gradually. As body weight increases and physical inactivity and unhealthy nutrition persist, the risk rises that one of the three major conditions—diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia—will occur.
The condition often begins with an increase in blood pressure. Subsequently, HDL cholesterol decreases while triglyceride levels rise. This pattern is characteristic of diabetic dyslipidemia. Later, impaired blood glucose metabolism develops as well. Over time, patients eventually develop all three disorders.
Impaired glucose metabolism can often already be detected through HbA1c levels. When HbA1c values range between 5.7% and 6.4%, the condition is referred to as prediabetes.
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