Why is it so important for people with diabetes to control their blood pressure and cholesterol as well?

Why is it so important for people with diabetes to control their blood pressure and cholesterol as well?

It is very important for people to control their blood pressure and cholesterol because of the increased risk of vascular disease carried by people with diabetes. High blood pressure and abnormal levels of cholesterol and other blood fats are frequently found in people with diabetes and contribute additional risk for vascular disease. In some studies involving people with type 2 diabetes, control of cholesterol and blood pressure has been found to confer more protection against progression of small vessel (microvascular) disease than control of blood sugar itself! Not only is this the case, but the serious complications in the eyes, nerves, and kidneys caused by damage to the small blood vessels have been shown to be reduced by treatment of cholesterol and blood pressure. Some of the drugs used for these conditions may even provide a minor benefit in control of the blood sugar itself, while some may worsen it.When possible, your doctor will choose those medications for blood pressure and cholesterol that will improve (or not worsen) control of your blood sugar and prevent or delay the progression of the complications of diabetes.

Advice:
In some studies involving people with type 2 diabetes, control of cholesterol and blood pressure has been found to confer more protection against progression of small vessel (microvascular) disease than control of blood sugar itself!

Cholesterol:
A fatty substance normally present in blood.