18/05/2026
- This year marks the 21st celebration of World Hypertension Day - a global reminder that high blood pressure remains the single biggest contributing risk factor to global health.
As the burden of hypertension continues to rise worldwide, the connection between diabetes and hypertension is impossible to ignore:
➡️ High blood glucose damages blood vessels over time.
➡️ High blood pressure places additional strain on the heart, kidneys, brain and eyes.
➡️ Shared risk factors such as inactivity, unhealthy diets, smoking and excess weight increase the likelihood of both conditions.
For people living with diabetes, regular blood pressure monitoring is not optional - it is a healthy habit that can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vision loss.
The 2026 theme, “Controlling Hypertension Together!”, is more than a slogan - it is a global call to action focused on accurate blood pressure measurement, early detection, community awareness, and improved access to screening, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
These priorities also apply to diabetes prevention, early diagnosis, and better access to care worldwide.
Controlling hypertension together also means strengthening diabetes care worldwide.
Learn more about the day and better hypertension management: https://www.whleague.org/about-us/world-hypertension-day
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN)
International Society of Hypertension
