Diabetes and stroke are two major diseases that seriously threaten human health. There is a close and complex relationship between them. In today’s society, with the change of lifestyle and the aging of the population, the incidence of diabetes and stroke continues to rise. Understanding how diabetes increases the risk of stroke, mastering its pathogenesis, being familiar with accurate diagnostic methods, taking effective preventive measures and comprehensive treatment methods are crucial to reducing the harm of the disease and improving the quality of life.
Diabetes and Stroke Definition
Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, and its pathogenic mechanism is complex, involving insufficient insulin secretion or defective action. Stroke is brain tissue damage caused by blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain, with symptoms such as limb weakness, slurred speech, and impaired consciousness.
Due to poor blood sugar control, diabetic patients are prone to vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of stroke. Especially in the context of aging and lifestyle changes, the relationship between diabetes and stroke is becoming closer, which has brought a huge burden to the healthcare system.
Diabetes and stroke pathogenesis
Rupture of cerebral blood vessels: A large amount of blood flows into the brain, causing pressure on brain tissue and causing serious symptoms.
Cerebral vascular obstruction: Lesions on the inner walls of blood vessels cause stenosis or occlusion of the blood vessels, obstructing blood circulation, leading to insufficient blood supply, hypoxia and impaired brain function.
Neurological lesions: Pathological changes in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, spinal cord and other nervous systems can cause stroke.
Hypertension: Long-term hypertension causes arteriosclerosis, thickening of blood vessel walls, and poor blood circulation, which can easily lead to blood vessel rupture or thrombosis.
Metabolic disorders: When the brain is not supplied with enough blood, brain cells lack energy, which causes metabolic disorders and leads to cell death.
Intrinsic factors that increase stroke risk in patients with diabetes.Abnormal blood sugar in diabetic patients can affect vascular health and accelerate arteriosclerosis.
Insufficient insulin leads to metabolic disorders of sugar, fat and protein, and the decomposition of a large amount of fat increases cholesterol, forming hyperlipidemia. At the same time, the blood of diabetic patients is often in a hypercoagulable state, with hyperplatelet aggregation, increased blood viscosity and relatively slow local blood flow. These factors can easily lead to thrombosis and greatly increase the risk of stroke.
diagnosis
Imaging examination:
Head CT examination: It can quickly determine whether it is a hemorrhagic stroke or an ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke appears as a high-density shadow on CT, while ischemic stroke may have no obvious abnormalities within 24 hours of onset, but may show a low-density shadow after 24 hours.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head: It is more sensitive in diagnosing early cerebral infarction and can show the lesions more clearly.
Cerebral angiography: It can clarify the degree of stenosis, location and collateral circulation of cerebral blood vessels.
Laboratory tests: including blood routine, coagulation function, blood lipids, blood sugar and other tests, which help to understand the patient’s overall health status and risk factors for stroke.
Diagnosis of diabetes and stroke requires a combination of multiple testing methods, combined with the patient’s clinical symptoms and medical history.
prevention
Healthy Lifestyle
diet
Control sugar intake and reduce the consumption of high-sugar foods such as candy, beverages, etc.
Increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to ensure balanced nutrition.
Control the calories in each meal and avoid overeating.
sports
Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, etc.
Do strength training in moderation to increase muscle strength.
Sleep
Ensure adequate sleep of 7-8 hours per day.
Develop a regular schedule and avoid staying up late.
Control of related risk factors
blood pressure
Measure blood pressure regularly and keep it within the normal range (systolic pressure <140 mmHg, diastolic pressure <90 mmHg).
Take blood pressure medication as directed by your doctor.
Blood lipids
Control dietary fat intake, especially saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids.
Take lipid-lowering drugs if necessary.
weight
Keep your weight within the normal range (BMI 18.5 – 23.9kg/m²) through proper diet and exercise.
In short, preventing diabetes and stroke requires taking a combination of measures and persisting for a long time to effectively reduce the risk of disease.
Treatment
Drug treatment
Antiplatelet aggregation drugs: such as aspirin, clopidogrel, etc., to prevent thrombosis.
Statins: lower blood lipids, stabilize plaques, and prevent stroke recurrence.
Drugs that improve cerebral circulation: such as butylphthalide, etc., promote blood circulation in the brain.
Rehabilitation training
Limb function training: Help restore limb strength and mobility through physical therapy, exercise therapy, etc.
Language rehabilitation training: For patients with aphasia or unclear speech, language training is provided to improve their language expression ability.
Cognitive function training: Cognitive training is conducted for patients with cognitive impairment to improve cognitive function.
Psychological intervention
Psychological counseling: help patients relieve anxiety, depression and other negative emotions, and enhance their confidence in treatment.
Family support: Encourage family members to give care and support to patients and create a good psychological environment.
The comprehensive use of various methods such as drug therapy, rehabilitation training and psychological intervention can improve the treatment effect of diabetes and stroke patients and improve their quality of life.