What Every Diabetes Caregiver Should Know About Stroke

 The risk of suffering a stroke, which can harm brain tissue and result in disability or even death, rises with diabetes. Diabetes patients should maintain healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight levels to prevent stroke.

Diabetes and Stroke

Often the question arises can diabetes cause stroke, let us understand the connection between diabetes and stroke. The body’s capacity to produce or effectively utilize insulin is impacted by diabetes. Since insulin is crucial in bringing glucose from the bloodstream into cells, individuals with diabetes frequently have too much sugar in their blood.

This extra sugar can eventually lead to the accumulation of clots or fat deposits inside the blood arteries that supply the neck and brain. Atherosclerosis is the term for this process.

If these deposits expand, the blood artery wall may constrict or possibly become completely blocked. Any disruption in the blood flow to the brain will prevent oxygen and blood from getting to the brain’s cells.

This might result in a stroke. Without prompt medical attention, a stroke may cause cell death or irreparable damage.

Symptoms of Diabetes Stroke

The symptoms of stroke in diabetes are the same as the symptoms of any stroke:

• Any difficulties in communicating
• Dizziness, balance issues, or difficulty walking
• A severe, unexpected headache.
• Confusion strikes suddenly.
• Double vision or difficulty seeing
• One side of the body is weak or numb (for instance, one side of the face, one arm, or one leg).

How is Stroke Diagnosed?

If you have had a stroke, your doctor will most likely:

• Examine your ability to move your face muscles, arms, and legs.
• Asking simple questions or having you describe a picture or object can help you determine whether you are thinking clearly.
• Order imaging examinations of your brain, such as a CT scan or an MRI.
• Other tests can be used to assess your heart (electrocardiogram) or blood arteries (ultrasound or arteriogram).

Diabetes Stroke Treatment

If a stroke or stroke risk is detected early, certain treatments, such as:

• Blood clot-dissolving medications
• Surgery to open a blood vessel and boost blood flow by inserting a stent (carotid stenting).
• Surgery to remove the fat that is clogging your arteries (carotid endarterectomy).

If you have a stroke and suffer from long-term repercussions, rehabilitation may include:

• Occupational therapy can help you relearn crucial everyday functions like writing and dressing.
• Physical treatment to recover arm and leg strength and function.
• Psychological counseling to help with any post-stroke mental health difficulties.
• If a stroke has impacted your speech, you may benefit from speech therapy to learn how to speak more clearly.

How to Reduce the Risk of Stroke with Diabetes?

Certain lifestyle adjustments can help you reduce your risk of stroke if you have diabetes and the diabetes caregiver should pay attention to these:

• Maintain a healthy blood glucose level (less than 140 mg/dL) by checking it frequently.
• Check your blood pressure on a regular basis and report any issues to your healthcare staff.
• To lower cholesterol and maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Regular exercise is essential.
• Get enough sleep to stay healthy and energetic.
• Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.
• Reduce your salt intake to help regulate your blood pressure.
• Lose abdominal fat while maintaining a healthy weight.
• Refrain from smoking and/or using tobacco products.
• Take your meds exactly as directed.

Sources:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9812-diabetes-and-stroke
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-stroke#causes