[Special features of strokes in diabetics]

Diabetes mellitus is a potent risk factor of cerebrovascular episodes. All statistics reveal a markedly higher prevalence in diabetic patients, as compared with non-diabetics, a poorer prognosis, more frequent recurrence and higher mortality. These facts are particularly relevant with regard to the increasing rate of diabetes in this country and in the world and also with regard to data on the rising incidence of cerebrovascular episodes in diabetic subjects, at least as recorded e.g. in the USA. Prevention is the concern of diabetologists, specialists in internal medicine and all doctors who are in contact with diabetic patients. Essentially it is identical with systematic diabetological care focused on maintaining a normal blood pressure and normal blood lipid values and acceptable blood sugar values in diabetics patients. Principles of secondary prevention must include monitoring of the arteries of the neck by auscultation and instruments and early correction of revealed serious atherosclerotic changes. Unfortunately this is the rule so far.