What is a diabetic stroke? A diabetic stroke is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. It is important for diabetics to know that they are at a higher risk of having a stroke than people without diabetes. In fact, according to WebMD.com, people with diabetes are 2 ½ times more likely to have complications of cardiovascular disease, this includes stroke.
High blood pressure is the number one risk factor of a stroke. High levels of LDL cholesterol, which is the bad type of cholesterol, and smoking cigarettes, are other major risk factors. Complications of a diabetic stroke are far worse because people with diabetes usually are also affected by atherosclerosis which impairs the blood flow to the brain. There are other risk factors which contribute to a worse outcome for people with diabetes as well. For example, people with diabetes tend to have worse circulation problems which could make the outcome of a stroke worse for a diabetic. Also, while it is known that death rates from strokes have decreased, it is still unclear whether this decrease actually applies to victims of diabetic stroke.
You can lower your risk of having a diabetic stroke by keeping your blood sugar levels under control. You should also try to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels on target as well. This all can be accomplished by taking your medications as directed by your doctor, carefully planning your meals and eating at the same times every day, and increasing your physical activity. People with diabetes should exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day. The more active your lifestyle is the less risk of cardiovascular disease you will have. However, be sure to ask your doctor whether or not there should be any limitations to your exercise routine.
Diabetic Stroke Symptoms
It is important for all diabetics, as well as those commonly surrounding them, to know the symptoms attributed to diabetic stroke. These include:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
- Trouble talking
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
- Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
- Double vision
- Severe headache
- Brief loss of consciousness
- The inability to move part of the body
A stroke is a medical emergency and every moment counts. The longer the blood flow to the brain is cut of, the greater the damage. So, immediate treatment can save someone’s life and enhance their chances for a successful recover. If you, or someone around you, experiences any of the symptoms listed above, call 911 immediately. It is imperative that you get to a hospital as soon as possible.
