[The effect of blood glucose on the course of cerebral ischemia]

Experimental und clinical data suggest a negative influence of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia on the outcome of cerebral ischemia. In a retrospective analysis of 135 consecutive patients with cerebral ischemia we found more severe clinical defects in diabetics and patients with initial hyperglycemia but without previously known diabetes mellitus than in patients with initial normoglycemia. This was especially true for blood glucose above 10 mmol/l. Before drawing therapeutic conclusions, further prospective studies are necessary.