Summary: <p>Today we're going to talk about how potassium affects diabetes and high blood pressure. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. But, they come with side effects, including an increased risk of developing diabetes. </p> <p> </p> <p>On the flip side, ace inhibitors, also used to treat high blood pressure, protect against diabetes and lower the risk of diabetes. </p> <p><br></p> <p>I believe the big difference between these two drugs, when it comes to diabetes risk, is what they do to potassium.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Diuretics deplete potassium, and without enough potassium, insulin can't be released very well. A deficiency of insulin can then lead to diabetes. Ace inhibitors increase potassium by helping to prevent the loss of potassium. </p> <p><br></p> <p>So why do we even need a drug—why aren't we just consuming more potassium? Many people support healthy blood pressure and healthy blood sugar levels by taking potassium. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Benefits of potassium: </p> <p> • It protects the kidneys</p> <p> • It protects the heart </p> <p> • It helps protect against stroke </p> <p> • It helps protect against diabetes </p> <p> • It helps power the nervous system in connection with the muscles </p> <p> • It helps regulate sodium </p> <p><br></p> <p>The RDAs for potassium are 4700 mg. It might surprise you, but bananas aren't a good source of potassium. A few of the best sources of potassium are: </p> <p> • Leafy greens </p> <p> • Potatoes </p> <p> • Avocado </p> <p> • Electrolyte powder </p> <p><br></p> <p>DATA: </p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1619503/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1619503/</a></p> <p><a href="https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/endocrinology/the-relationship-between-potassium-and-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/en...</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3197792/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...</a></p> <p><br></p>
