WHY DOES DIABETES DOUBLE THE RISK OF STROKE?

• Prolonged high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the brain, particularly the endothelium – the layer of cells lining the inside of blood vessels. This can accelerate atherosclerosis and reduce blood flow to the brain.
• Diabetes often occurs alongside high blood pressure and abnormal blood lipid levels, which can accelerate the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Platelets may also become more prone to sticking together, increasing the risk of blood clots that can block blood vessels in the brain and trigger a stroke.

Importantly, vascular complications in people with diabetes can develop from the time the disease is first diagnosed and often progress without obvious symptoms. When a stroke does occur, people with diabetes may also recover more slowly and face a higher risk of long-term disability compared with those without diabetes.

This is why managing diabetes involves more than controlling blood sugar. People with diabetes should also monitor and manage blood pressure, cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factors. Early detection, appropriate treatment and regular follow-up are key to reducing the risk of stroke and other serious complications of diabetes.

At Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), people with diabetes benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving Endocrinology, Cardiology, Neurology, Diagnostic Imaging and other relevant specialties. With advanced laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging, our specialists can comprehensively assess cardiovascular risk factors, detect early vascular changes and develop individualized treatment plans to help control diabetes effectively, reduce the risk of stroke and protect long-term health.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an Endocrinology specialist, please contact HOTLINE: 024 3577 1100, send us a message via the Hanoi French Hospital Facebook page, or contact us through our WhatsApp account.