Can one diet control diabetes and high BP together? New study offers a game-changing fix

If you're managing both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, you're not alone. The intersection of these two chronic conditions often creates a dietary paradox—what helps one may harm the other. Now, a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine proposes a promising solution: the DASH4D diet, a modified version of the renowned DASH diet, tailored specifically for those with diabetes.

Developed by researchers to meet the unique needs of adults with type 2 diabetes, DASH4D focuses on lowering sodium while accommodating lower carbohydrate intake. Dr. Scott J. Pilla, one of the lead authors, explained to Medical News Today that “a low-sodium DASH4D diet... caused a statistically and clinically significant reduction in blood pressure.”

How the DASH4D Diet Works
The original DASH diet— Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension—is already lauded for its heart-friendly benefits, being rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, while low in saturated fat and cholesterol. But it wasn’t designed with diabetics in mind. That’s where DASH4D steps in, lowering carbohydrates to suit those with type 2 diabetes.

In the trial, 102 adults aged around 66, most of whom were already on medications for blood pressure and blood sugar, were assigned four different diets over five weeks each. Among these, the DASH4D diet with reduced sodium (around 1,500 mg/day) proved most effective—lowering systolic blood pressure by 4.6 mmHg and diastolic by 2.3 mmHg, compared to a typical higher-sodium diet.

🧂 Low‑Sodium DASH Diet Offers Extra BP Drop for Diabetes Patients

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension for Diabetes (#DASH4D) diet with lower #Sodium is tied to clinically meaningful #BloodPressure reduction in people with #Diabetes. @JAMAInternalMed

Read here:… pic.twitter.com/ZZFivXT1ro

— Optometry Advisor (@opto_advisor) June 23, 2025

Why Sodium Matters More Than You Think
“The results show that sodium reduction appeared to contribute more strongly to reducing blood pressure than the DASH4D diet itself,” Dr. Pilla noted. His sentiment was echoed by Dr. Jennifer Wong, a board-certified cardiologist, who told Medical News Today that the study reinforces how “a low salt diet designed to modify blood pressure” is crucial, especially in heart-healthy eating.

Sodium Reduction & Blood Pressure: DASH4D Trial

1️⃣ Compared with the typical U.S. diet with higher sodium, the DASH4D diet with lower sodium reduced:

1) Systolic Blood Pressure: 4.6 mm Hg
2) Diastolic Blood Pressure: 2.3 mm Hg

2️⃣ Most blood pressure reduction occurred within… pic.twitter.com/GAN43gTTPi

— Dr Alo, DO, FACC (@MohammedAlo) June 11, 2025

Realistic and Feasible Dietary Shifts
One of the most promising takeaways is the feasibility of the low-sodium goal. Dr. Patrick Kee, a cardiologist at Vital Heart & Vein, emphasized that “the acceptability and adherence to the lower sodium intake was high among participants,” suggesting that with proper guidance and meal planning, what once seemed daunting is achievable.

While the five-week study duration and small sample size call for further research, especially in diverse populations, the findings still hold practical weight. Dr. Pilla acknowledged the limitations and the need for accessible, culturally relevant, and affordable meal plans that align with DASH4D targets.

Prevention and Power Through Diet
A five mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure may not sound like much, but it can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney complications. Dr. Pilla underlined the clinical importance: “Diet change can effectively improve blood pressure in people with diabetes, even those on multiple antihypertensive medications.”

For patients and clinicians alike, the message is clear: don’t underestimate the power of the plate. In a world where lifestyle diseases are on the rise, diets like DASH4D may be the key to better control—and longer, healthier lives.