The rates of obesity are reported to have risen across the world, with a corresponding surge in diabetes. In 2015, the global diabetes prevalence was estimated to be 415 million, with a steady increase in type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 900 million people will be diagnosed with the disease by 2050. Diabetes is a life-long disease known to cause various macro and microvascular changes which often culminate in severe complications, one of which is stroke. Scientific studies show that diabetic patients are 1.5 times more likely to suffer a stroke than those without the disease.
Diabetes prevents the body from making and using insulin properly. Note that insulin is responsible for directing glucose from the bloodstream, into the cells for energy. In a diabetic condition, too much glucose is left in the blood, which can quickly result in atherosclerosis. This is whereby the glucose creates clots and fat deposits in the blood vessels responsible for supplying blood to the brain and the neck. Should blood fail to flow to your brain, a stroke will automatically occur. Diagnose diabetes with test strips!
What is Stroke?
Stroke is a cardiovascular disease which increases morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia which normally coexist in diabetes mellitus patients especially type 2 are the cardiometabolic risk factors. Type 1 also increases the risk of stroke, albeit to a lesser degree. A stroke occurs when blood vessels in the body get damaged. The longer you have uncontrolled diabetes, the higher the chances of developing heart disease. The most common cause of death among diabetic patients is stroke and heart attack. Ischemic stroke, transient ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke are the most common types. Inappropriate management of blood sugars elevates the risk of recurrent strokes.
Stroke incidences across the globe and its sequelae have been seen to increase. Diabetes alone is a risk factor and is linked to high morbidity and mortality. With diabetes, it becomes harder for your body to respond to a stroke episode. This is because oxygen supply is cut off, so other arteries cannot serve as a bypass. Atherosclerosis causes the vessels to get clogged with plaque or harden. Being a life-threatening condition, alert your doctor immediately if the following signs are present with or without diabetes:
- Trouble speaking
- Sudden blurred vision
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the legs, face or arms
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Intense headache
- Sudden paralysis
Because stroke occurs suddenly, people are advised to master the F.A.S.T warning signs and get emergency services immediately. These signs include:
- Facial Drooping: Face drops on one side
- Arm Weakness: One arm drifts downwards when both arms are raised
- Speech problems: Could be slurred speech
- Time: Call 911 when these signs show
Sometimes, people may suffer a stroke and not realize they had one. This type is known as transient ischemic attack. The American Heart Association says that at least 16 percent of diabetic patients aged 65 and above die from stroke while 68 percent of them succumb to heart attack.
Stroke Risk Factors
Aside from diabetes, other health complications are to blame. These include:
- A history of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- A previous stroke
- Bleeding disorders
- Depression
- Sickle cell disease
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, use of illicit drugs and alcohol, and a poor exercise regimen can heighten the risk of stroke.
How to Lower the Chance of Stroke or Heart Attack if you have Diabetes
Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle and controlling the blood sugar levels can help you lower the chances of stroke or heart attack. People with diabetes are advised to follow an individualized diet plan, exercise more, and keep their blood glucose levels under control. You can also lower your chance of stroke and heart attack by managing your diabetes ABCs. ABCs enables you to manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose.
A stands for the A1C test. This test gives an average blood glucose level over 3 months. High AIC numbers mean that blood glucose levels have been high in the last 3 months. High blood sugar levels can harm your kidneys, eyes, heart, and blood vessels. A1C should be around 7 percent, but it is important that you discuss with your doctor about the right percentage goal for your condition.
B is for blood pressure. This measures the force exerted by your blood against the walls of the blood vessels. High pressure can make your heart work harder than normal. This can then lead to a heart attack or a stroke leaving a damaged kidney or eyes. Normal blood pressure for people with diabetes should be about 140/90 mm Hg.
C stands for cholesterol. HDL and LDL are the two cholesterol types present in the blood. LDL is bad cholesterol which forms in the blood vessels clogging them. Too much of it can result in a stroke or heart attack. HDL is good cholesterol whose work is to remove LDL from the blood vessels.
S stands for no smoking. Smoking narrows the blood vessels causing your heart to work harder than normal. Quitting smoking improves blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose. It also lowers the risk of stroke, nerve damage, heart attack, amputation, and kidney disease.
Stroke Recovery
People recover differently from a stroke episode. Some take several weeks to recover, others take years, while others do not recover fully. Mostly, recovery depends on how quickly treatment is administered. Emergency stroke treatment often leads to better and quicker results. The following are some of the treatment methods that can be employed on an emergency basis.
- Surgical blood vessel repair
- Clot-busting drugs
- Surgical stenting procedures
- Endovascular procedures for the removal of blockages
After a stroke, diabetes patients can expect certain effects including:
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Difficulty in controlling bowels or bladder
- One-sided paralysis
- Trouble speaking
- Balance problems
- Depression
Stroke can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing the risk factors such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly and controlling the symptoms of diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body is unable to regulate the amount of blood sugars. It means that with this condition you are more likely to suffer from different kinds of heart disease which poses greater risk for stroke and heart attack. Because it doubles your risk of developing stroke, it is crucial that you have it controlled appropriately and make certain lifestyle changes.