Diabetes is one of the leading lifestyle diseases worldwide. Did you know that having diabetes makes you nearly twice as likely to suffer a stroke? Let us see how.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin hormone to convert carbohydrates into energy. Insulin is the hormone secreted by the endocrine gland, the pancreas, which lies behind the stomach. Insufficiency of insulin causes carbohydrate buildup in the blood and a shortage of energy for the body's organs to work.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to begin dying within minutes. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. It interrupts the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, which can damage brain tissue and lead to:
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Memory loss
- Numbness or paralysis (inability to move)
- Pain
- Problems managing or expressing emotions, or depression
- Trouble thinking, paying attention, learning or making judgments.
- Sometimes death
Connection of Diabetes with Stroke
People with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to those without diabetes, as diabetes or High blood sugar
- Damages the inner lining of blood vessels
- Promotes plaque buildup leading to atherosclerosis
- Makes arteries narrower and less flexible
- Increases blood clot formation
- Reduces blood flow to the brain
- Often coexists with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, further increasing stroke risk
Many adults with diabetes also have other health problems that can lead to stroke, like:
- Extra body weight
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Apart from diabetes, there are other additional risk factors for stroke like:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Smoking habits
- Physical inactivity
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history of stroke
Warning Signs of a Stroke
- Sudden confusion
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Severe headache
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
- Dizziness
- Difficulty walking
A code that can be kept in mind to identify stroke related symptoms is FAST:
F – Face: One side of the face droops
A – Arms: One arm becomes weak or numb
S – Speech: Slurred or difficult speech
T – Time: Call emergency medical services immediately
How to reduce stroke risk if you have diabetes
- Control Blood Sugar
- Take medications exactly as prescribed
- Monitor blood glucose regularly
- Follow your doctor's treatment plan
- Manage blood pressure
- Reduce salt intake
- Exercise regularly
- Control cholesterol
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Do not miss cholesterol-lowering medication if prescribed
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stay physically active
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Get regular health check-ups
Diabetes Care At STAR Hospitals
If you have diabetes, do not wait for complications to develop. Diabetes and stroke are closely connected. By controlling blood sugar, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking regular medical care, you can greatly reduce your risk of stroke and protect your brain, heart, and overall well-being. STAR Hospitals Diabetes centre and neurology department are the best in Hyderabad with 24*7 expert and emergency care under one roof. Schedule regular health check-ups with us to keep blood sugar under control, and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs of a stroke. Early action can save your brain, your independence, and your life
