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April 30, 2021Diabetes is a well-documented risk factor for stroke. Spiked up blood sugar levels due to diabetes tend to cause physiological changes in the blood vessels which is considered to be a reason that causes strokes. A stroke occurs when the cerebral vessels in the body are directly affected. Mortality and post-stroke deficiencies are higher in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Here’s everything you need to know about the connection between the two conditions.
What Is The Link?
A stroke occurs when there is a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain. Often this interruption is due to a rogue blood clot, that blocks a vessel in the neck or brain leading to a stroke. When this takes place, the brain is deprived of nutrients and oxygen, causing cell tissue death and rupture. If not addressed immediately, the condition can have fatal consequences.
Strokes are mainly of three types and are divided basis their severity:
- Ischemic Stroke: Occurs when a blood clot is blocking the blood supply to the brain.
- Haemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel bursts abruptly or a weakened blood vessel starts to leak.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Occurs when small temporary blood clots flow into the brain or obstruct the blood flow to the brain. It is also referred to as a mini-stroke.
A patient with diabetes suffers from damage to different parts of the body over time. Slowly, the continued occurrence of high blood sugar begins to damage blood vessels and nerves in the body. People having prolonged levels of high blood sugar are at a higher risk than others, especially if they do not take controlled measures to bring it down. Diabetics who suffer from other conditions like obesity and high blood pressure, are also marked at a higher risk for a stroke.
Prevention Of A Stroke
It has been seen in multiple observations over the years that stroke patients can have trouble recovering from it. The recovery may vary from person to person, and also depend on the severity of the stroke.
Studies show that obese people have a greater risk and can have a tough road to recovery. Early detection of diabetes can help in the reduction of this risk since it allows for time for rectification in the lifestyle by applying the relevant healthy changes.
Lifestyle changes like managing weight, limiting the consumption of salt and sugar, lowering fat intake, increasing water and fibre intake and increasing physical activity can reduce the risk of diabetes and in turn, reduce the risk of a stroke. A simple brisk walk every day can be a decent exercise that not only lowers the chance of a stroke but also, uplifts your mood. Limiting alcohol and smoking can also help.
Our Advice
The best way to cut the chances of a stroke in diabetics is to keep diabetes under control. In addition, taking extra efforts in maintaining good overall health can also help significantly in lowering the risks of strokes.