SHREVEPORT, La. – “D.iabetic patients are two to three times more likely to have a stroke than Non-diabetic Patient,” said Dr. Syed Abbas, a vascular neurologist with the Willis Knighton Health System.
The reason? People with type 2 diabetes have persistently high blood sugar levels. That can lead to plaque formation in the cervical and cerebral arteries.
Dr. Syed Abbas
A stroke is the result of a break in oxygen and nutrients in the brain. Ischemic stroke is caused by a blocked artery, often a blood clot. Hemorrhagic stroke is caused when a blood vessel leaks or ruptures. In both types, the brain cells begin to die within minutes.
In 2018 10.2% of the US population have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Abbas said fFor diabetics, the best way to prevent stroke is through treatment you Diabetes.
“It’s really a multidisciplinary approach. If they’re hypertensive, they are have to Make sure your high blood pressure is well controlled, “Abbas said.
Healthy eating and life choices also play a big role.
“H.a more Mediterranean diet with more fruits and vegetables or weight loss, especially if you have a BMI greater than 25,” he said. “And if you are a smoker, smoking with diabetes greatly increases your risk of stroke. So, We advise patients to stop Smoke.”
Heavy alcohol consumption is also a risk factor.
“It also increases your risk of stroke, especially if you are diabetic,” Abbas said.
High blood sugar makes a stroke even more dangerous.
“If they have very high blood sugar levels, it could actually be associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality if the patient comes in the having a stroke,” said Abbas.
It can also make the doctor’s job difficult. Sometimes Symptoms of high blood sugar can look like a stroke.
“We know this glucose better as 400 milligrams in one person, itself can lead to stroke-like symptoms, “he said.
Abbas he said once had one patient who came to the emergency room with a total glucose value of 500 right side weakness. But once they checked the glucose levels, the stroke symptoms subsided too.
So the bottom line is to treat diabetes in a way that prevents a stroke.
“At the end of the day, it will help us better manage stroke and the morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. Because it can change the patient’s life, “Abbas said.