Weight loss and exercise are important. The greater the weight loss, the more you lower your blood pressure. It is also important not to drink very much alcohol. If you can't lower your blood pressure with diet and exercise, your doctor might have you take medicines that will help. If you smoke, stop smoking.
Smoking is bad for anyone but even worse for people with diabetes.
Smoking also has a bad effect on your blood vessels. If you have diabetes and you also smoke, you double your risk of getting heart disease. Diabetes, being overweight and having high blood pressure are related. Diet and exercise are good ways to control your blood sugar level, lower your blood pressure and cut your risk of getting heart disease. When diet and exercise don't help enough, medicines can help control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels and control blood pressure.