There can be two major reasons behind a stroke. It occurs either when a major part of the blood supply to the brain is cut off because of a blood clot or when a ruptured artery leads to haemorrhage. Strokes are the leading cause of death and disability all around the world. However, by addressing a few key risk factors, most strokes can be prevented.
Diabetes and strokes are two diseases that share many risk factors that can be addressed by living a healthier life and with the help of some medication. Here is all you need to know about diabetes and stroke as well as the links between them:
What is Diabetes?
When a person is suffering from diabetes, their pancreas stops producing insulin or the insulin produced fails to work properly. The insulin that is secreted by the pancreas is used by the body to convert glucose (sugar) into energy.
There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes develops when your body stops producing insulin which leads to a build-up of glucose in the bloodstream. Usually, this type of diabetes starts at a young age.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or if the body does not react correctly to the insulin. Type 2 is more common than Type 1 and tends to develop during the adult years.
Gestational diabetes is the third kind of diabetes. It affects pregnant women and usually goes away after childbirth. However, it increases the risk factors of the woman developing Type 2 diabetes.
How Diabetes Increases the Risk of Stroke
Diabetes plays a role in the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which increases the risk of blood clots or of blood vessel ruptures. Those who suffer from diabetes may also experience additional risk factors for a stroke, including high cholesterol, obesity, inactivity, and poor diet.
Detecting Diabetes
People with Type 2 diabetes are not usually aware of their condition. The condition usually gets much worse before the symptoms start showing up.
However, diabetes can be diagnosed with a blood or urine test. If you feel you have symptoms of diabetes or if you have any risk factors for stroke, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease, you should ask your health provider for a test.
Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
- Frequent urination, especially during the night
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Genital itching or repeated yeast infections
- Cuts or wounds not healing normally
- Blurred vision
You are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you:
- are more than 40 years of age (25 years for people from South Asia)
- have a close relative who has diabetes (parent or siblings)
- are obese or overweight
- have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes earlier
Treating Diabetes
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions, meaning that you will have them for life. However, they can be managed with medication and some lifestyle changes. While Type 1 diabetes can be managed with insulin injections, Type 2 can be controlled with metformin drug treatment.
People with Type 2 diabetes can bring their sugar levels back to normal by adopting a healthier lifestyle. People who have been diagnosed recently and who manage to lose weight are more likely to get their sugar levels under control. One should do regular exercise, take a healthy diet, and try to lose weight because all of this can help reduce the sugar levels in your blood. If you are diagnosed with diabetes it is advised that you do regular sugar checks and get medication prescribed as well.
Reducing the Chance of a Stroke in a Diabetic
People with diabetes have some specific risk factors for a stroke that they should address:
- Keep your blood pressure in control. High blood pressure is a stroke risk factor.
- Manage your cholesterol levels.
- Quit smoking.
- Work to maintain a healthy weight.
- Follow a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
