Today we're going to talk about how potassium affects diabetes and high blood pressure.

Diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. But, they come with side effects, including an increased risk of developing diabetes.

On the flip side, ace inhibitors, also used to treat high blood pressure, protect against diabetes and lower the risk of diabetes.

I believe the big difference between these two drugs, when it comes to diabetes risk, is what they do to potassium.

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.

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.

Benefits of potassium:

• It protects the kidneys

• It protects the heart

• It helps protect against stroke

• It helps protect against diabetes

• It helps power the nervous system in connection with the muscles

• It helps regulate sodium

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:

• Leafy greens

• Potatoes

• Avocado

• Electrolyte powder

DATA:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1619503/

https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/en...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...