There is a known association between having uncontrolled diabetes and having a higher risk of a stroke. Several sources, including the American Diabetes Association, the American Stroke Association, and many experts describe a higher incidence of stroke among people who have diabetes, compared to people who do not have diabetes.
The Link Between Uncontrolled Diabetes and Stroke
The link between having diabetes, particularly uncontrolled diabetes, and a stroke is related to the way that the person’s body handles the blood glucose to make energy. Diabetes can cause pathologic changes in certain blood vessels and subsequently lead to a stroke if these changes affect the cerebral vessels.
Post-stroke outcomes, along with mortality rates, are higher among people who have uncontrolled glucose levels.
Stroke Risk Factors
If you have diabetes, you have a much higher risk of stroke. Some people who have diabetes also have other risk factors for a stroke. Some risk factors include:
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Having excessive belly fat and being overweight
- High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol
- Family history of stroke
- Being over age 55
Lower Your Risk
You can lower your risk of having a stroke. Eat healthily, stop smoking, and lose weight. Some other ways to lower your risk include keeping your blood glucose under control.
Maintain healthy blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels.
