Sugar can raise your blood pressure, along with increasing the risk ofobesityanddiabetes.
However, sugar is also responsible for high blood pressure and a leading cause of it.
Sugar consumption, therefore, leads to specific impacts that can contribute to hypertension.
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
What Are Advanced Glycation End Products?
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are potentially harmful compounds that exist in the body and in foods.
They are formed when protein or fat combine with sugar.
Within foods, they are sometimes referred to as dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGEs).
They are linked toinflammationand higher levels of oxidative stressors that are themselves linked to both heart disease and diabetes.
High levels of sugar can also lead to obesity and diabetes.
Causes Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistanceis associated with high blood pressure.
This leads to the overproduction of insulin by thepancreas.
Hyperinsulinemiaoccurs when the level of insulin in your blood is higher than normal.
If left untreated, hyperinsulinemia can lead to high blood pressure as well.
Studies have shown that roughly half of those with hypertension have either hyperinsulinemia orglucose intolerance.
Diabetes can cause hypertension.
High blood pressure may also lead to diabetes.
A risk factor like obesity can bring on both conditions.
Too much added sugar in your diet is a risk factor for the development of obesity.
Added sugars include sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods.
NO helps boost blood flow and controls blood pressure.
There is some evidence to suggest that supplementing your diet with L-glutamine may be beneficial.
Summary
Sugar consumption can affect blood pressure, just as salt does.
The effects of sugar can lead to hypertension through several different pathways.
The resulting vasoconstriction can cause high blood pressure.
High blood pressure over time can damage the coronary arteries and lead to other health consequences.
Speak with your healthcare provider about next steps and how to make adjustments to your diet.
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