Science
Diabetes linked to worse cognitive function after stroke
People with type-2 diabetes may have worse cognitive function three to six months after a stroke than those with normal fasting blood sugar levels, according to new research published in the Journal Stroke.
Researchers combined data from 1,601 people who had experienced strokes from seven international studies. The researchers measured blood glucose when patients were admitted to hospital with their stroke, and assessed a variety of cognitive functions including memory, attention, speed of processing information between three and six months after the stroke.
Compared to patients with normal fasting blood sugar when they were admitted to hospital, those with Type 2 diabetes scored significantly lower in these tests. People with prediabetes did not perform any worse than patients with normal blood sugar levels.
Heart and circulatory conditions are connected
Professor Jeremy Pearson, our Associate Medical Director said:
“Diabetes can damage your blood vessels, putting you at greater risk of developing coronary heart disease or suffering a stroke. And a stroke or a series of ministrokes can lead to problems with the brain and vascular dementia.
“It’s clear that diabetes is a significant risk factor for stroke and its complications, including problems with memory and attention. This study highlights the importance of preventing type-2 diabetes from developing in the first place so that these devastating complications can be avoided.”