Type 2 Diabetes Increases Risk Of Stroke
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The number of people who have diabetes in this country continues to grow and most of the growth is in what we call type 2 diabetes where obesity appears to contribute. That is why diet and exercise are so important but once a person has diabetes there are other risks.
A study from the Cleveland Clinic has found the longer a person has diabetes, the higher their risk of having a stroke. The risk for stroke is known to be two to four times higher among people with diabetes compared to people who don't have the disease.
The lesson from this study is that even when people are diagnosed with diabetes the key issue is controlling it as well as possible. This means taking medication if needed, routinely following blood sugars and continuing to diet and exercise.