What Is The Connection Between Diabetes and Strokes?

As per studies, people with diabetes are at a 1.5 to two times higher risk of encountering strokes than non-diabetic people. Besides, they are more likely to have a stroke at an earlier age. But why are diabetics as vulnerable to strokes? How are diabetes and strokes related? Let’s understand it through this blog.

What is a Stroke?

An individual encounters a stroke when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked or bursts. It interrupts the brain’s oxygen and blood flow, thus damaging brain tissues and causing pain, memory loss, speech and comprehension difficulties, problems managing emotions, depression, trouble with focusing, making judgments, etc. In some cases, a stroke can also lead to death.

How Does Diabetes Cause a Stroke?

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to process food. The body cannot produce or use insulin, which leads to glucose build-up in it. Continuous glucose build-up can damage blood vessels, thus increasing the chance of a stroke.

But many diabetic adults also suffer from other health concerns that can increase the probability of a stroke. Those concerns include heart diseases, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and extra body weight.

Diabetes-Related Stroke Symptoms

Diabetes-related stroke symptoms include sudden confusion, trouble talking, severe and sudden headaches, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or vision problems like trouble seeing or double vision. Diabetics may also suffer from dizziness or have trouble with balancing or walking.

Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes-Related Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that demands immediate medical intervention to avoid complicating the case. But before we look at treating diabetes-related stroke, let’s examine some prevention measures.

  • Check your blood glucose level regularly and maintain a healthy range (less than 140 mg/dL)
  • Follow a nutritious and balanced diet to reduce cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight
  • Check your blood pressure regularly and report problems to your doctor
  • Follow your doctor’s advice and take all medications as prescribed by the doctor
  • Indulge in regular exercises and adequate physical activity
  • Take enough rest to maintain a certain level of energy
  • Restrict salt intake to keep the blood pressure regulated
  • Quit smoking, if you smoke and/or stop using tobacco products

Now, how do you treat a diabetes-related stroke? Here’s what doctors do when identifying a stroke or stroke risk early.

  • Provide drugs to break up the blood clots
  • Operate to remove fat-blocking the patient’s arteries
  • Place a stent in a blood vessel to open it and increase blood flow via surgery

Do you have any specific questions about diabetes-related strokes or need specific consultation? Visit Ranka Hospital. Our qualified and experienced doctors are here to help. Call +91 20 2426 1600 to book an appointment with our doctors.

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