If You Have Diabetes, Know These Signs of a Stroke
People living with diabetes are at higher risk of stroke so it’s especially
important for them to talk to their doctor and manage their risk
factors.Know Diabetes by Heart, a joint initiative of the American Heart
Association and American Diabetes Association, offers several tips for
people with diabetes to reduce their risk of a stroke:- Take control.
with your doctor to establish or maintain control of your condition.- Take
your medicine. Be sure to take all medicine prescribed by your doctor,
and if you have concerns about your medications, ask your doctor. Don’t
just stop taking them.- Take care of yourself. Continue or develop
healthy lifestyle habits, and if you smoke, quit.- Take stock of your
numbers. Keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels,
as well as managing your blood glucose and A1C, can make a difference
in reducing your risk of a stroke."Diabetes is a complicated health
condition, so it’s important to be proactive and work with your health
care team to learn all you can about how to manage it," according to
Robert Eckel, M.D., immediate past president of Medicine and Science for
the American Diabetes Association and past president of the American
Heart Association.For example, Karen Dawson, who was diagnosed with
type 2 diabetes in her 40s, was managing the condition well with a
combination of medication and a healthy lifestyle, but she lost her
health insurance and was unable to afford her medication. With her
diabetes and high blood pressure unmanaged, Dawson’s health was more
vulnerable, and she suffered a stroke.Having had a stroke puts her at
high risk for another one, but with her health insurance back in place,
she now takes her medication as prescribed, maintains a healthy diet,
and stays fit by swimming in her local pool. And she serves as an
ambassador for Know Diabetes by Heart to encourage those living with
type 2 diabetes to stay healthy and maintain a positive attitude.If you or
someone you know is living with type 2 diabetes, make sure you know
the warning signs of a stroke. The acronym FAST makes it easy to
remember and recognize the common symptoms of a stroke. If you
experience suddem Face drooping, Arm weakness, or Speech difficulty,
it’s Time to call 911.For more information
visit KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org.
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