Controlling Diabetes to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke - Di...

Controlling Diabetes to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke

Controlling Diabetes to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke
Tuesday January 29, 2008
By Jose Vega M.D., Ph.D., About.com Guide to Stroke

Are you a diabetic? Before you answer this simple question try to remember the last time you visited a doctor, or the last time you had your blood sugar checked. If you are not certain about whether your blood sugar was within the normal range (approximately 80mg/dL) the last time you had it checked, or if you simply don’t remember when your blood sugar was last checked, you should see a doctor before you can say for sure that you are not a diabetic. Why? Like most truly dangerous risk factors for stroke, (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc) diabetes does not cause any detectable symptoms until it is in its most advanced stages. Most diabetics are diagnosed with the disease 5, 10 years, or even longer after its onset. So if have not done so recently, don't wait any longer and get your blood sugar checked by a doctor.

Diabetes is only second to high blood pressure as a risk factor for stroke, and as such it must be taken very seriously. If you are a known diabetic you should have your blood sugar checked at least one time per day if your diabetes is mild, but 2-3 times per day if your diabetes is severe ad requires insulin for treatment. You should also work very closely with your doctor to keep your blood sugar, your body weight, and your blood pressure within the normal range. Also, try to help your doctor choose the most appropriate regimen for you by maintaining a blood sugar diary which you can bring with you to the doctor’s office for each visit.

Keep your diabetes under control and reduce your risk of stroke.

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