Insulin Resistance and Hypertension: Mechanisms Involved and Modifying Factors for Effective Glucose Control

Abstract

Factors such as aging, an unhealthy lifestyle with decreased physical activity, snacking, a standard Western diet, and smoking contribute to raising blood pressure to a dangerous level, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and heart failure. Atherosclerosis, or aging of the blood vessels, is a physiological process that has accelerated in the last decades by the overconsumption of carbohydrates as the primary sources of caloric intake, resulting in increased triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol and insulin spikes. Classically, medications ranging from beta blockers to angiotensin II blockers and even calcium channel blockers were used alone or in combination with lifestyle modifications as management tools in modern medicine to control arterial blood pressure. However, it is not easy to control blood pressure or the associated complications. A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet can reduce glucose and insulin spikes, improve insulin sensitivity, and lessen atherosclerosis risk factors. We reviewed articles describing the etiology of insulin resistance (IR) and its impact on arterial blood pressure from databases including PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar. We discuss how the LCHF diet is beneficial to maintaining arterial blood pressure at normal levels, slowing down the progression of atherosclerosis, and reducing the use of antihypertensive medications. The mechanisms involved in IR associated with hypertension are also highlighted.