Diabetes and Stroke

A stroke results when the blood supply to the brain
is suddenly cut off. A stroke can occur when a
blood vessel in the brain or neck is blocked or
bursts. Brain cells are then deprived of oxygen and
die. A stroke can result in problems with speech or
vision or can cause weakness or paralysis. Fatty
deposits or blood clots cause most strokes, jelly
like clumps of blood cells that narrow or block one
of the blood vessels in the brain or neck. A blood
clot may stay where it formed or can travel within
the body. People with diabetes are at increased
risk for strokes caused by blood clots.

A stroke may also be caused by a bleeding blood
vessel in the brain called an “aneurysm”, a break
in a blood vessel can occur as a result of high
blood pressure or a weak spot in the blood vessel
wall.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA) are caused by a
temporary blockage of a blood vessel to the brain.
This blockage leads to a brief sudden change in
brain function such as temporary numbness or
weakness on one side of the body. Sudden
changes in brain function also can lead to loss of
balance, confusion, and blindness in one or both
eyes, double vision, difficulty speaking, or a severe
headache. However, most symptoms disappear
quickly and permanent damage is unlikely. If
symptoms do not resolve in a few minutes, rather
than a TIA, the event could be a stroke. The
occurrence of a TIA means that a person is at risk
for a stroke sometime in the future.

How will you know if you have had a stroke?
The following signs may mean that you have had a
stroke:

Sudden weakness
Numbness of your face, arm or leg on one side of
your body

Sudden confusion, trouble talking, or trouble
understanding.

Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking

Trouble seeing out of one eye or both eyes sudden
double vision

Sudden severe headaches

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 right
away. You can help prevent permanent damage by
getting to a hospital within an hour of a stroke. If
your Doctor thinks you have had a stroke, you may
have tests such as a neurological examination to
check your nervous system, special scans, blood
tests, ultrasound examinations, or X-rays. You also
may be given medication that dissolves blood clots.

What are the treatment options for strokes?
At the first sign of a stroke you should get medical
care right away. If blood vessels to your brain are
blocked by blood clots, the doctor can give you a
"clot busting" drug. The drug must be given soon
after a stroke to be effective. Other treatment for
stroke includes medications and physical therapy,
as well as surgery to repair the damage. Meal
planning and physical activity may be part of your
ongoing care. In addition you may need
medications to lower your blood glucose, blood
pressure, and cholesterol, and to prevent blood
clots.

Points to remember:
If you have diabetes, you are at least twice as
likely as other people to have heart disease or a
stroke.

Controlling the ABC's of diabetes, A1C, Blood
pressure, and Cholesterol, and cut your risk of
heart disease and stroke.

Choosing foods wisely, being physically active,
losing weight, quitting smoking and taking
medications (if needed) can all help lower your risk
of stroke.

If you have any warning signs of a heart attack or
stroke, get medical care immediately and don't
delay! Early treatment in a hospital emergency
room can reduce damage to the heart and the
brain.

Until next time, Blessings to you all, Nancy