Diabetes is a well-established risk factor for stroke. It can cause pathologic changes in blood vessels at various locations and can lead to stroke if cerebral vessels are directly affected. Patients with diabetes who have a stroke are more likely to die than patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common cause of stroke in the United States.
DKA occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin to meet the increased demand for glucose from the pancreas. Insulin is produced by the liver and is secreted into the bloodstream to supply glucose to the cells. However, the amount of insulin produced is not sufficient to maintain blood glucose levels within the normal range.
This results in high blood sugar levels, which in turn leads to a buildup of fatty acids (lipids) and deposits of cholesterol (cholesterol plaques). These deposits cause the arteries to narrow and block the flow of blood through the brain, resulting in a stroke or a heart attack. The risk of developing stroke increases with the number of diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and the severity of these complications.
Table of Contents
What is the greatest risk factor for a stroke?
The most significant risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. The pressure inside the arteries is referred to as blood pressure. The risk of stroke increases with age. Stroke is more common in men than in women, and it occurs more often in people with a family history of the disease. Women who have had a stroke are more likely to have a second stroke than are women who haven’t had one.
What blood sugar level causes stroke?
It’s common in the early phase of a stroke to have elevated blood sugar. In at least one-third of patients with acute myocardial infarction, the prevalence of hyperglycemia has been observed.
Can Low sugar cause a stroke?
The takeaway is that, no, it doesn’t appear that a low—or even a lot of lows—can trigger strokes. It looks like your risk for an unhappy ending is much, much higher if you have frequent lows and then have a stroke.
One of them is to get your blood pressure down. If you’re overweight or obese, that’s a good place to start. You can also try to cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink. And, of course, don’t smoke.
What is the number 1 cause of stroke?
The leading cause of stroke is high blood pressure and it is the main cause of stroke for people with diabetes. You can talk to your doctor about ways to prevent diabetes.
What can trigger a stroke?
A blood vessel in your brain balloons up and bursts, or a weakened one leaks. Uncontrolled high blood pressure and taking too much blood thinner medicine can lead to this kind of stroke. A Transient Ischemic Attack is what some people have. This is when the blood vessels in the brain burst. Stroke symptoms can vary from person to person.
The most common symptoms are: dizziness or fainting, weakness or numbness in one or both arms or legs, trouble speaking or swallowing, and trouble walking. Other symptoms may include: confusion, disorientation, loss of balance, slurred speech, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Strokes can be life-threatening, so get emergency medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Can a healthy person have a stroke?
“But anyone, even people who are relatively young and healthy, could potentially have a stroke.”.