If your doctor has told you to cut back on salt (salt contains sodium), you may wonder why. Our bodies do need some sodium to work properly, but too much salt adds extra sodium and can raise blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. If you’re living with diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease managing your blood pressure is also key to managing those conditions. People with diabetes have a higher risk for these conditions, so watching how much salt you have is especially important.