Type 2 diabetes is known to lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD, disease of the heart and blood vessels) but little is known about the chance of stroke among a diverse group of people with diabetes.There were 296 strokes documented during the follow-up period. The chance of stroke varied according to age, sex, and history of CVD. A history of stroke was a strong predictor of stroke in men and women.
Among men with a history of CVD, repeat stroke was more likely if their diabetes therapy included insulin plus pills, or if they were being treated for high total cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. Among women with a history of CVD, complications affecting small blood vessels were linked to stroke. Among patients with no history of CVD, smoking and high levels of glycated hemoglobin (A1C, a measure of long-term glucose control) made stroke more likely.
A person’s age and a history of stroke are strong clues of the chance of stroke in the future among people with diabetes.
