New Delhi: Studies show that people with diabetes stand a greater chance of getting a stroke at an earlier age. There is a need to understand the link between stroke and diabetes andthe risk factors so that steps can be taken to stay healthy. The INTERSTROKE study, which is one of the largest and most extensive studies, listing the risk factors of stroke, includes diabetes as one of them. The study carried out across 22 countries concludes that preventing the onset of diabetes can reduce the risk of stroke in a person by as much as 5%. The authors conclude that five risk factors account for 80% of stroke risk including hypertension, current smoking, abdominal obesity, diet and low physical activity.
Speaking about the connection between diabetes and stroke, Dr Sanjay Kalra – Consultant Endocrinologist, Bharti Hospital Karnal & Vice President, South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies said, “Our body breaks down glucose to produce energy. When food is digested, this glucose enters the bloodstream and reaches all the cells in the body.In people with diabetes, the pancreas either does not make insulin or makes too little of it (Type 1 diabetes). In another case (Type 2 diabetes), the insulin produced is not used properly by the cells in the muscles, liver and fat.Thus, the glucose in the blood increases but the cells do not get enough energy. The increased levels of glucose, over time, get deposited inside the walls of blood vessels. As a result, the blood vessels in the brain or neck become narrow or get blockedthus cutting off the blood supply and stopping oxygen from reaching the brain. This is how a stroke is caused.”
“Diabetes and stroke are connected as some of the risk factors for both the conditions are similar in nature. A metabolic syndrome called pre-diabetes is a cluster of four conditions.All of these are connected to metabolism. A person with two or more of these conditions at the same time stands a chance of being at a risk of both diabetes and stroke – An apple-shaped body with weight concentrated around the waist, high blood pressure, high levels of blood glucose and high cholesterol levels,” added Dr. Kalra.
People with diabetes can take some measures to ensure that their heart and blood vessels are healthy. These will also reduce the chances of getting a stroke. Here are some measures one can take.
1. Eat a diet healthy for the heart: this includes a daily intake of fibre and keeping the cholesterol levels low.
2. Keep yourself active and exercise every day
3. Quit smoking as it can double the risk of getting a stroke.
4. Limit the consumption of alcohol
5. Keep a check on your weight. People with more weight around the waist stand a greater chance of getting diabetes thus increasing the risk for stroke as well.
6. Get your sugar and cholesterol checked at least once a year.
7. Do not delay treatment if you are detected to have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or thyroid.
8. Request your doctor to prescribe good quality medication which reduces the risk of stroke and other diseases.