High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension can occur in people with diabetes. High blood pressure is more common in people with type 2 diabetes and if not controlled properly may cause heart attacks, strokes or problems with your eyes and kidneys.

Your GP should check your blood pressure (BP) regularly as high BP can cause damage without you even knowing it. If your blood pressure is high, you may be advised to reduce your salt intake, alcohol intake, lose weight and increase your physical activity. You should also stop smoking, as smoking increases your chances of a heart attack and stroke.

Your GP may also prescribe tablets to reduce your BP, it is important you know what these tablets are for, and any unwanted side effects these may cause.

Drug companies who produce these drugs may do so under different names. Groups containing the most common tablets include:

• Ace inhibitors help to reduce your BP
• Ace inhibitors may also Help protect against retinopathy (damage to your eyes)

• Ace Inhibitors may cause a persistent dry cough, rash, vomiting, nausea and constipation / diarrhoea
• Other side effects may include headaches, dizziness and fatigue

• They reduce blood pressure and help protect against retinopathy
• They are usually prescribed to patients if they develop a persistent dry cough when on an Ace Inhibitor

• Side- effects are usually mild but may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue
• Some Angiotensin’s may cause flu like symptoms

• Bendroflumethiazide helps lower blood pressure
• May be also used for mild to moderate heart failure

• Bendroflumethiazide can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and impotence.
• Less common side effects include rashes and sensitivity to light