Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism, and elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood and urine.
Up to 15-33% of people that have had a stroke also have diabetes.
- Increased risk seems to be greater for type 1 than type 2
- Increased risk (16 times greater) in people aged 15-34 with type 1
- In a 20 year follow up study (13,105 people) – type 2 diabetes increased the risk of stroke by 2 times in men, and 6.5 times in women
In general, diabetes increases the hardening of the arteries, and requires tighter control of cholesterol.
Increased stroke risk might also be due to a decreased healing ability associated with diabetes.
How can this be prevented?
- Healthy Eating – manage carbohydrate intake (approximately 45-60 g for women and 60-75 g for men every meal)
- Being Active – 150 minutes of exercise weekly, resistance training 2 times per week
- Taking Medication Properly
- Monitoring
- Blood Glucose – 80-130 before meals, 90-160 at bedtime, Hb A1c 7% or less
- Blood Pressure – less than 140/70
- Cholesterol – HDL > 45 (men); HDL > 50 (women); LDL <100; TG <150; total < 200
- Reduce Risks
- Stop smoking!
- Problem Solving
- Know signs/symptoms of: low blood sugar, stroke, heart attack
- If you are having problems reaching your goals regarding blood sugar, cholesterol, or high blood pressure, talk to your health care provider for help
- Stress Management
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- Yoga
- Meditation
- Therapy
- Anything that helps you decompress (talking to a friend, reading, exercise…)
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Diabetes Resources