Preventing stroke complications due to diabetes

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Mui, an endocrinologist with over 20 years of experience at Hanoi French Hospital: “Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by prolonged high blood sugar levels. Chronic hyperglycemia can damage various tissues and organs in the body, including the cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Among the complications of diabetes, stroke is one of the most dangerous and is a leading cause of death in diabetics.”

Risk of stroke from diabetes

A stroke occurs when one or more blood vessels supplying oxygen to the brain become damaged or blocked. If this condition lasts for more than 3 minutes, brain cells begin to die.

There are two types of strokes: hemorrhagic (caused by a ruptured artery) and ischemic (caused by a blocked artery).

Why are diabetics more prone to strokes?

The risk of stroke in type 2 diabetes patients is two to four times higher than in non-diabetics. Factors that increase the risk of complications include:

• Diabetics are up to three times more likely to have high blood pressure, a leading cause of strokes
• Chronic hyperglycemia accelerates atherosclerosis, leading to the formation of blood clots in the arteries that obstruct blood flow, causing strokes. This can also lead to heart attacks and angina
• Most diabetics have high cholesterol levels, which contribute to more atherosclerotic plaque and faster progression of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of strokes.

In diabetics, factors such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and blood clots often occur simultaneously, vastly increasing the risk of a stroke if not properly managed and treated.

Controlling stroke risk factors in diabetic patients

• Blood sugar and comorbidities management: Patients must regularly monitor their blood sugar levels, blood clotting indices, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure to ensure they do not spike or drop excessively
• Diet: Diabetic patients should eat less salt, limit sugary foods, reduce fat intake, avoid animal organs, and adhere to a diet recommended by a nutritionist
• Lifestyle: Avoid smoking and minimize the use of other stimulants like alcohol and coffee. Ensure adequate sleep and manage stress. Maintain a diet rich in vitamins and fiber, especially green vegetables, fresh fruits, and sufficient water
• Exercise: Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, four days a week. Incorporate physical activity whenever possible, such as taking stairs instead of elevators and walking to nearby destinations

At Hanoi French Hospital, the treatment plan for each patient is personalized with Western medical standards. Patients receive multidisciplinary care through consultations with endocrinologists, neurologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, and nutritionists to achieve the best outcomes.

For more detailed information or to schedule an appointment with HFH specialists, please contact our hotline at 0243 577 1100, inbox our Facebook page “Hanoi French Hospital,” or connect via Zalo at zalo.me/2008009049335817955.