Like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, managing your blood sugar is an important part of reducing your heart attack and stroke risk. Having diabetes, a chronic condition that causes high blood sugar levels, can put you at a greater risk for stroke because of the unique effects this condition has on the body. Here, Shaneela Malik, M.D., a neurologist at Henry Ford Health, explains how diabetes can increase your stroke risk and offers suggestions for diabetes management.
How Diabetes Can Cause A Stroke
Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, leaving this condition untreated can lead to a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream and risk damaging blood vessels.
“Small blood vessels in the body are affected by diabetes,” says Dr. Malik. “Over time, too much glucose in the blood can result in fatty deposits forming in these vessels, increasing your risk of a blockage.”
It is often blockages of these small vessels we can’t see that lead to major strokes in deep structures of the brain. These strokes, even if small and treated quicky, can result in lifelong deficits.
How To Manage Your Stroke Risk When You Have Diabetes
According to the American Heart Association, one of the best ways to reduce your risk of stroke if you have diabetes is to make sure that your A1C levels are less than 7%. (A1C is a test to measure the amount of glucose in your blood.)
If your levels are measuring greater than 7%, Dr. Malik notes that lifestyle changes are necessary to reduce your stroke risk. This includes:
- Keeping your diet balanced. “It is not a matter of necessarily eating less but keeping a balance of healthy food choices throughout the day,” says Dr. Malik.
- Managing stress levels. The hormones your body releases when it is stressed can cause an increase in your blood sugar levels. For people who already have diabetes, keeping stress levels under control is important to manage your condition.
- Controlling your sugar intake. “Sugar is often called the ‘silent killer’ because too much of it can impact the body in many ways – from increasing blood sugar to causing damage to the heart, kidneys and brain,” Dr. Malik says.
- Exercising regularly. Exercising a few times a week (if not daily) can help balance blood sugar levels and help you manage your weight.
If you are struggling to manage your diabetes or maintain an A1C level of less than 7%, Dr. Malik recommends that you talk with your doctor about putting together a comprehensive diabetes management plan. Making a weight loss plan or taking medication could be options that can help keep your blood sugar levels under control.
If you have diabetes and think you are experiencing signs of a stroke such as limb weakness, facial drooping, or changes or difficulty in your speech, be sure to call 911 to receive medical care as soon as possible.
Reviewed by Dr. Shaneela Malik, a neurologist who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Centers – Bloomfield Township and Lakeside.
