Role of prediabetes in stroke.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of death and adult disability globally.
• Diabetes mellitus (DM) accelerates vascular aging, increasing stroke risk.
• Hyperglycemia is linked to poor stroke outcomes, but its causal role is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current knowledge on prediabetes diagnosis, epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and prevention.
• To explore the relationship between prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, and stroke.
• To highlight prediabetes as a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes and stroke.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on prediabetes and stroke.
• Analysis of diagnostic methods for prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour post load glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin).
• Synthesis of data on risk factors, pathophysiology, and prevention strategies.

Main Results:

• Prediabetes is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and a risk factor for stroke.
• Current glucose-lowering therapies do not consistently improve stroke prevention in diabetic patients.
• Effective methods for identifying prediabetes exist, including HbA1c and glucose challenge tests.

Conclusions:

• Prediabetes represents a critical window for intervention to prevent progression to diabetes and reduce stroke risk.
• Further research is needed to optimize stroke prevention strategies in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes.
• Public health initiatives focusing on prediabetes identification and management are essential.