A higher prevalence of stroke is found in the patient with both diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes and glucose intolerance. Because of local cerebral acidosis caused by ischemia and hyperglycemia, morbidity and mortality from a stroke are increased. Most studies show that individuals with admission serum glucose >120 mg/dl (6.7 mM) have a higher morbidity and mortality from a stroke. The prevalence of cerebral infarcts, especially lacunar infarcts, is increased and the prevalence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage, and transient ischemie attacks are decreased in the diabetic patient. Age, race, hypertension, and the presence of diabetic nephropathy and coronary and peripheral vascular disease are risk factors for stroke in the diabetic patient, whereas obesity, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and glycemie control are not. Investigation and treatment of the diabetic patient with a stroke is discussed.
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March 01 1994
Stroke in the Diabetic Patient Free
David S H Beul, MB
David S H Beul, MB
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
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Address correspondence and reprint requests to David S. H. Bell, MB, P. O. Box 55307, Birmingham, AL 35255-5307.
Diabetes Care 1994;17(3):213–219
Article history
Received:
December 22 1992
Accepted:
November 04 1993
PubMed:
8174450
Citation
David S H Beul; Stroke in the Diabetic Patient. Diabetes Care 1 March 1994; 17 (3): 213–219. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.17.3.213
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