What is the relationship between diabetes and ischemic stroke?
Multiple studies have demonstrated a relationship between diabetes and risk of ischemic stroke. A population-based study of 13,000 men and women with 20 years of follow-up found that type 2 diabetes mellitus had an independent effect on ischemic heart disease, stroke, and death. The Northern Manhattan Study found that duration of diabetes was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. A systematic review and meta-analysis also found that higher glycated hemoglobin levels were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Additionally, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study found that fasting insulin, body fat distribution, and diabetes were all associated with risk of ischemic stroke. Finally, a study of nondiabetic adults found that glycated hemoglobin, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk were all associated with ischemic stroke. Studies have also found an increased risk of stroke recurrence within 2 years after an ischemic infarction among those with prediabetes. 