The Link between Diabetes and Stroke

Diabetes and stroke have a strong connection. Several studies suggest that people with diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to suffer from a stroke. But how does diabetes cause stroke? Diabetes prevents our bodies from digesting food properly. The spike in sugar levels in the blood can lead to many health conditions that can eventually lead to a stroke, kidney failure, and other heart conditions. However, an active and healthy lifestyle can help manage the symptoms of diabetes and improve your quality of life. 

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly stopped. There is an interruption in the blood and oxygen flow to the brain, which causes damage to the brain tissues. When the brain does not receive blood for more than 3-4 minutes, it begins to die. A stroke can cause severe complications with body functions and can result in paralysis or even death. 

Diabetic stroke is caused by a ruptured or blocked artery. People with diabetes often have high blood sugar levels, which cause damage to the arteries. These damaged arteries are at an increased risk of bursting and, eventually, stroke. Also, high blood pressure in diabetics is another factor that increases the risk of diabetic stroke. Also know about freedom from diabetes

Read about how to reverse kidney damage from diabetes.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency. It shuts off the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. This can cause serious damage if not treated on time. Therefore, it is essential to understand how a stroke is diagnosed to receive timely medical intervention. 

To understand what is a diabetic stroke and how is stroke diagnosed, one must look out for the following symptoms:

• A sudden slur in speech or trouble in speaking
• Numbness in one side of the body, especially the arms, face, and neck
• Difficulty in walking
• Sudden loss of sight or blurred vision
• Unable to follow instructions
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Sudden headache or pain in a part of the body

Timely treatment is most important for a stroke to improve its prognosis. To prevent further damage, the blood supply of the brain should be restored immediately. In most cases, people are unaware of how a stroke is diagnosed. This results in delay in receiving treatment and can lead to permanent paralysis or even death. People suffering from a stroke may need months of rehabilitation treatments to restore their lost body functions.

Also read about how to prevent diabetes

What Are the Risk Factors for a Stroke?

Diabetes and stroke go hand in hand. You are at a greater diabetic stroke risk if you can have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Blood circulation problems
• Carotid artery disease
• History of heart attacks or other heart conditions

How Can You Reduce the Risk of Stroke?

Your lifestyle plays a vital role if you have type 2 diabetes and stroke. An active lifestyle, a healthy diet, and a stress-free environment will help you manage diabetes and reduce diabetes stroke risk. Here are a few tips for managing type 2 diabetes and stroke:

1. Follow a good diet

A good diet is a foundation for good health. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, taking extra care of your diet will help manage your diabetic symptoms and avoid other related conditions. Reduce fats and salts, and increase good cholesterol food in your diet. A good portion of fresh fruits and vegetables can help you keep your weight in check and reduce the chances of high blood sugar and stroke.

2. Have an active lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is the number one cause of high blood sugar and stroke. Exercising will help keep your body active. You are less likely to gain weight if you exercise. In fact, walking is known to reduce the risk of stroke. 

3. Take your medicines on time

As diabetes and stroke are linked together, managing diabetes will also help reduce the chances of you suffering from a stroke. It is significant to monitor your sugar levels regularly. Also, other medications such as blood thinners should be taken as prescribed by the doctor to reduce the risk of strokes. Also know about ayurvedic medicine for diabetes.

4. Stay away from smoking and alcohol

Smoking and excess intake of alcohol are other well-known causes of stroke. You can try to limit your alcohol intake and quit smoking to reduce the risk of diabetes and stroke. 

How Can You Prevent a Diabetic Stroke?

You can prevent a diabetic stroke with the following measures:

• Maintain your blood sugar levels: High blood sugar levels damages the arteries in the brain causing them to rupture. 
• Keep your cholesterol under control: High cholesterol can cause blockage in the arteries, leading to a stroke.
• Maintain a healthy weight: It helps manage other diabetic symptoms.
• Regularly monitor heart conditions, if any: A heart attack can increase the risk of a diabetic stroke.

Bottomline

People suffering from a stroke may take a long time to recover. Therefore, it is important to understand how a stroke is diagnosed and take measures to prevent it altogether. Having diabetes may increase the chances of getting a stroke. However, one can reduce your risk of a diabetes stroke by following the tips mentioned above. Remember, you can lead a long and healthy life with diabetes through effective management.

FAQs

1. Can you recover from a Diabetes Stroke?

Yes, you can recover from a diabetic stroke. The duration of your recovery may depend on the severity of the brain damage suffered during the stroke. However, understanding how is stroke diagnosed and receiving timely medical attention is extremely important for stroke victims for a better prognosis.

2. Can Type 1 Diabetes cause a Stroke?

Yes, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause a stroke. If you have diabetes, the chances of having a stroke increase because of high blood sugar. 

3. What is the difference between a Stroke and a Diabetic Stroke?

There is no difference between a stroke and a diabetic stroke. A stroke is caused by a ruptured artery. One of the causes is high blood pressure due to diabetes. However, you are at less risk of suffering from a stroke if you do not have diabetes.