7 WAYS FOR DIABETICS TO REDUCE STROKE RISK
The risk of cardiovascular disease doubles for diabetics, and while some may not immediately think “stroke” when they think of their circulatory systems, the most common form of stroke is blood clot-related (ischemic) stroke – when a clot stops blood from getting to the brain. Diabetics are more likely have a stroke earlier in life than non-diabetics, so they should start reducing their overall stroke risk at a young age.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR DIABETICS:
7 STEPS FOR LOWERING YOUR STROKE RISK EARLY
Quick Read:
DIABETICS CAN LOWER STROKE RISK
With heart-healthy choices like eating well, quitting smoking, and controlling weight.
TREATING DIABETES HELPS
Lower risk of a stroke, so follow your doctor’s advice about monitoring blood sugar, taking your prescription medications, etc.
TO SEE IF IT'S RIGHT FOR YOU.
It’s a sobering fact for diabetics: studies show that the risk of stroke, especially clot-related (ischemic) stroke is higher for diabetics than it is for non-diabetics. For diabetic women, the news is more staggering, as diabetes is even more likely to be a cause of stroke in women than it is for diabetic men. Fortunately, there are ways to help beat the odds.
It’s a sobering fact for diabetics: studies show that the risk of stroke, especially clot-related (ischemic) stroke is higher for diabetics than it is for non-diabetics. For diabetic women, the news is more staggering, as diabetes is even more likely to be a cause of stroke in women than it is for diabetic men. Fortunately, there are ways to help beat the odds.
How Diabetics Can Lower Their Stroke Risk
While the link is not top-of-mind for everyone, stroke is actually a form of cardiovascular disease. That’s because it’s related to the circulation of blood to your brain. It’s worth noting because among doctors at the American Heart Association®, they’ve agreed that diabetes is one of seven major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which, as we’ve noted, includes stroke.
Here are 7 heart-healthy steps to help lower the risk of stroke for diabetics.
1. Begin with a Healthy Diet
A heart healthy diet is one of those steps that seems obvious but isn’t always easy. Yet, when you consider what’s at stake – and what it can mean in terms of being there for your family and loved ones – transitioning to a high fiber, low saturated fat/trans-fat diet becomes a bit easier to tackle.
2. Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check
As a diabetic, you already know the importance of following your doctor’s guidance for monitoring your blood sugar regularly. The benefits for lowering your stroke risk are that staying on top of your blood sugar keeps insulin levels in balance, reducing the possibility of blood vessel damage.
3. Get & Stay Active
Start by talking to your doctor before you begin any new exercise routine.
Then, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise several days each week. When you find activities you actually enjoy – especially when you partner up with a friend or loved one – you’re more likely to stick with it and make exercise part of your new heart-healthy lifestyle
4. Watch Your Weight
Nearly all type 2 diabetics are overweight or obese. The problem for diabetics wanting to reduce stroke risk is that extra weight makes hearts work harder than they should, increasing a number of heart health risks.
The good news? Losing weight can help you manage diabetes and resist the risk of a stroke. Many diabetics have even successfully become non-diabetics by losing weight.
5. Give up Smoking
It can be a challenging addiction for some. However, there are many ways to become a non-smoker for good, and it may even be covered by your insurance. Talk to your doctor about finding a plan that will work for you.
6. Talk to Your Doctor about Aspirin
A doctor-directed regimen of low dose aspirin can help keep your blood flowing. Check with your doctor to see if an aspirin regimen is right for you.
7. Stay Current on Your Medications and Get Regular Checkups
Even when you’ve got your diabetes under control, the risk of stroke means that it’s still important to check in with your doctor. Make and keep your regular doctor appointments, follow your doctor’s direction about prescription medications, and don’t be afraid to get the answers you need to stay on the road to living the heart-healthy, diabetic life.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STROKES
Warning Signs of a Stroke
From facial drooping to arm weakness, stroke warning signs can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Learn About the Most Common Type of Stroke
Read about when and how ischemic strokes can occur, and what causes them.
How Stroke Affects the Body
From recovery to lifestyle changes and challenges – find out what to expect after experiencing a stroke event.
You Know about F.A.S.T. Now Learn 5 Other Stroke Symptoms
Learn about stroke symptoms and remember that not every stroke survivor experiences the same signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Stroke Symptoms in Women
Stroke symptoms in women can be different than those found in men. For example, hiccups or numbness may be a possible stroke. Learn about the symptoms of stroke in women and help save a life.
What is a Ministroke and Can I Prevent One?
What is TIA or Ministroke? Learn about Transient Ischemic Attack, its symptoms, and how to prevent TIA with heart-healthy lifestyle choices.
Think FAST: How Well Do You Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke?
In the U.S. some kind of a stroke occurs every 40 seconds. Strokes are preventable and treatable. Find facts, tips and information on stroke prevention.
MANAGING RISK:
WHY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS MAY NOT BE ENOUGH
If you take prescription medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, they may not be enough to help protect your heart. Talk to your doctor about whether these medications are enough for you and whether adding an aspirin regimen can help further reduce the risk of another heart attack or clot-related (ischemic) stroke.
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
STROKE SURVIVORS HAVE A LOT TO LIVE FORWARD TO
PENNY S.
“It’s like you’re there, but it’s like you’re in an [out of] body experience.”
ANNA B.
“I didn’t think I was having a stroke. I knew everyone was acting really urgent. It was scary for me!”
TOM K.
“I had very good handwriting … and now it’s terrible, but that’s a small price to pay in this life and death situation.”
JOYCE A.
“I’m celebrating my 52nd birthday in two weeks, and … I’m thankful to be alive.”
TONI G.
“Education is key for me. I feel so good that I’m able to help people.”
Aspirin regimen products for recurrent STROKE prevention
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
Bayer® Aspirin is available in a variety of doses and forms.
Learn more by clicking on a product below.
Use as directed.
1 This tool is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, medical advice, or medical treatment. Contact your healthcare provider after using the tool to discuss your heart health or if you have any health concerns.
2 Estimated risk of a cardiovascular event, specifically, the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) or stroke in the next five years.