1. icon-arrow-left
    Healthy Living
Healthy Living · article

Are diabetes and strokes related?

A mature African-American woman smiles while outdoors on a fall day.

A stroke is a common and very serious life-threatening condition that happens when blood cannot get to the brain or leaks in and around the brain. Stroke risk factors, including diabetes, can make you more likely to have a stroke. Did you know? A person with diabetes is 1.5 times more likely to experience a stroke than a person without diabetes.

Connie Mastrangelo, MSN, RN, stroke program manager with Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center, explains why diabetes can increase your risk of stroke. She also shares what you can do to manage your diabetes and lower your stroke risk.

How can diabetes cause a stroke?

When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin as well as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body convert sugar to energy.

“If the body doesn’t make enough insulin, high levels of sugar stay in the bloodstream,” explains Mastrangelo. “Too much sugar in the bloodstream may lead to risks for many health conditions, such as stroke.”

Left unmanaged, increased blood sugar from diabetes can result in heart disease and the buildup of fatty deposits inside blood vessels.

“These fatty deposits in the blood vessels block the flow of blood to the brain,” says Mastrangelo. “When blood flow to the brain stops, you experience a stroke, and that part of the brain begins to die.”

You may be at a higher risk for developing diabetes and stroke if you:

  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have high cholesterol
  • Have poor eating habits or are overweight
  • Smoke
  • Are over age 45 (increases your risk for diabetes) or over 55 (increases your risk for stroke)
  • Have a family history of diabetes or stroke
  • Have a sleep disorder or don’t get enough sleep

Ways to lower your risk of diabetes and stroke

The best way to lower your risk of stroke from diabetes is first, to know your risk of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has a 60-second risk test for Type 2 diabetes.

If you’re diagnosed, make sure you take action to self-manage and treat diabetes, which lowers your risk of stroke. Remember to keep your health on TRACK:

T: Take the medicines your provider prescribes.  

R: Reach a healthy weight and maintain it.

A: Add more exercise and movement to your routine each day.

C: Control your ABCs — your A1C (blood sugar level), blood pressure and cholesterol.

K: Kick unhealthy habits, mainly smoking.

Mastrangelo emphasizes, “Being active is super important because it allows your body to better control blood sugar and use insulin. Staying active helps lower other diabetes and stroke risk factors, too, including high blood pressure.”

Published: December 23, 2024

Be proactive about your health

Staying up to date on annual wellness exams and screenings is important. So too, are the occasional trips to specialists to address sleep issues or any other health concerns that are nagging you.

Find a Primary Care DoctorFind a Diabetes Specialist

Related articles

Healthy LivingIndigestion and IBS: Are they related?While they share a few of the same symptoms, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, are different conditions and require different treatments.
Healthy LivingInfectious disease specialist shares what to know about tuberculosisAfter decades of decline, TB cases are on the rise. Learn what you need to know from an Atlantic Health System infectious disease specialist.
Healthy LivingAre microplastics a hidden health threat?Tiny plastic particles known as microplastics are prevalent in our food, water, and air. An Atlantic Health System expert weighs in about their impact on our health.
Brain HealthIs it possible to stop multiple sclerosis from advancing? If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Atlantic Health experts have some good news. For many patients, they can stop the disease from progressing.
Brain HealthWho is at risk for CTE?You may have heard of CTE in athletes, but who else can develop this dangerous condition? Learn how to lower your risk with Atlantic Health System.
Healthy LivingCan diet and exercise lower your cancer risk?Learn how lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise can lower your cancer risk with practical advice from Atlantic Health System.
Healthy LivingShould I know my blood type?Knowing your blood type can be important for your health. Learn when — and why — this information can help with advice from Atlantic Health System
Healthy LivingDo we really need eight glasses of water a day?Do people need to drink water all day long to stay hydrated? We asked an expert at Atlantic Health System about the eight-glass-a-day rule for adults—and his answer may surprise you.
Healthy LivingLab test accuracy: what to know before getting bloodworkBefore you head to the lab for bloodwork, a little preparation will go a long way to ensure accurate results. Here are a few tips from an Atlantic Health System expert.
Healthy Living5 markers for optimal metabolic healthA well-functioning metabolism is the key to health and longevity. By tracking five simple biomarkers, you’ll better understand your metabolic health and how to improve it. Good metabolic health reduces chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Healthy LivingCatch some ZZZs: healthy habits for a better bedtime routineAre your bedtime habits keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep? Learn about common sleep disorders and when you should see a sleep specialist.
Healthy LivingAre diabetes and strokes related? Learn why diabetes is a risk factor for having a stroke and ways to lower your risk of diabetes and stroke from a stroke expert at Atlantic Health System.