Diabetes and stroke

Diabetes is a major risk factor for development of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Patients with diabetes are at least two times more likely to have a stroke than nondiabetics. In addition, they are more likely to suffer increased morbidity and mortality after stroke. The mechanism of production of stroke secondary to diabetes may be due to cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, cardiac embolism, or rheologic abnormalities. The evaluation of cerebrovascular disease in diabetic patients is similar to the nondiabetic patient, with particular attention paid to adequate hydration prior to the administration of contrast agents. Treatment options for stroke in diabetics requires individualization but should include risk factor modification, and may include platelet antiaggregants, anticoagulation, or, in a well-defined subgroup, carotid endarterectomy.