How Can Stroke Be Prevented in Diabetes?
How Can Stroke Be Prevented in Diabetes?
John A. Seibel, MD
WebMD
If you have diabetes and your doctor suspects that you have atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), he or she may suggest changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as certain medicines that may help to prevent the blockages that cause stroke. Other ways to reduce your risk of stroke include:
Don't smoke.
Have your cholesterol checked (especially your "bad" LDL-cholesterol) and if necessary, lower your levels by limiting the amount of fat and cholesterol you eat. The target should be an LDL level of less than100 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). Some experts recommend even lower levels (less than 70 mg/dl) for those considered very high risk.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Have your blood pressure checked and control your blood pressure, if necessary.
Follow your health care provider's instructions for changing your diet.
Follow your health care provider's instructions for taking preventive medicines.
Take daily aspirin therapy* as prescribed by your doctor
Low-doses of aspirin (81- 325 mg of aspirin a day) is recommended for men and women with diabetes who are over age 30 and are at high risk for heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. Talk to your doctor to determine if aspirin therapy is right for you. If you have certain medical conditions, aspirin therapy may not be recommended.
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