Before we explain the link between diabetes and stroke, we need to understand diabetes and stroke, and the causes behind them.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which blood glucose levels deviate from normal levels. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetics are those who are diabetic from their childhood or young adulthood. Type 2 diabetics are those who are diabetic from their adult lives. Diabetics could be Insulin dependent or independent, depending on the state of the pancreas. There are many factors which lead to diabetes such as: Age, Heredity (family history) , Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, lack of physical activity, poor diet etc.
What is stroke?
A stroke is the impairment of the brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain, especially when it occurs all of sudden. There can be many factors which lead to a stroke, such as Age, Heredity (family history), Race, Sex (gender), Prior stroke history, heart attack, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, etc. Hypertension is also one of the major factors which lead to a stroke.
How is diabetes linked to stroke?
People with diabetes are up to 4 times as likely to have a stroke as someone who does not have the disease. Many people with diabetes have health problems that increase their risk for stroke. Although a lot of research is being carried out on why people with diabetes are at a higher risk for having high blood pressure and brain stroke, researchers are yet to arrive at any definite answer. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor and a leading cause of stroke. As many as 2 out of 3 adults with diabetes have high blood pressure. When it comes to preventing diabetes complications, normal blood pressure is as important as good control of your blood sugar levels.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent and Treat High Blood Pressure?
To treat and help prevent high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke: • Control your blood sugar • Stop smoking • Eat healthy • Maintain a healthy body weight • Limit alcohol consumption • Exercise • Limit salt intake • Visit your doctor regularly • Be stress free. Minimize stress levels. • Give your body sufficient sleep