What is DASH diet and how it help lower blood pressure even for people with diabetes

Hypertension is a leading cause of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure globally. Known as the "silent killer," it often goes unnoticed in people with diabetes, despite significantly increasing cardiovascular risk. Managing both blood pressure and blood sugar is crucial for long-term health outcomes.

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet promotes heart health by emphasising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. It limits saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugars, making it a widely recommended plan for those with or at risk of high blood pressure.

Johns Hopkins researchers developed a new version of the DASH diet, called DASH4D, tailored for people with type 2 diabetes. This modified plan lowers carbohydrates, raises unsaturated fats, and reduces potassium to accommodate those with chronic kidney disease, commonly linked with diabetes.

According to Dr. Scott Pilla, DASH4D led to a significant drop in blood pressure, even in participants already on multiple medications. A 5-point drop in systolic pressure equates to a 14% reduced stroke risk and 8% lower risk of heart failure in diabetics.

Dr. Lawrence Appel emphasised that many patients on multiple blood pressure drugs still saw further reductions through the DASH4D diet. This reinforces the power of dietary change as a non-pharmacological tool for controlling hypertension and preventing cardiovascular diseases in diabetics.

The study involved 102 participants, mostly older, Black, and female. They followed four diet plans over five weeks. The DASH4D low-sodium version lowered systolic pressure by 4.6 mmHg compared to a high-sodium typical American diet, most benefits appearing within just three weeks.

Researchers stress the need to make DASH4D practical, affordable, and adaptable across cultures and dietary preferences. Dr. Pilla advocates for helping diabetic individuals adopt this diet into their daily routines to reduce long-term health risks and medication dependence.

(Inputs from TOI)