Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. High blood pressure can result in increased risks of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease and nerve damage. Diabetes and high blood pressure are often found together. This is because diabetes changes the body chemistry in a way that increases the risk of high blood pressure.

If you have high blood pressure, lowering your salt intake may reduce your blood pressure. Reducing high blood pressure is important to reduce your risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney disease.