High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a prevalent chronic disease that affecting many people in the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there will be around 548 million people worldwide suffering from diabetes in 2045. As one of the top 10 leading causes of death, hyperglycemia could damage arteries and blood vessels, causing organ dysfunction.
A stroke happens when there are ruptures, bleeds, or blockages in vessels, cutting off the oxygen and nutrients transportation to the brain. Prompt actions and immediate treatments should be taken to reduce brain damage and other complications. There are three types of strokes. Ischemic stroke is the most common one, accounting for 87% of all strokes.
So, what’s the relationship between high blood glucose and stroke? High blood sugar causes the build-up of blood clots and fats in arteries, otherwise known as atherosclerosis. The more substances accumulate within the vessels, the higher the risk of developing a stroke. Atherosclerosis may lead to a partial or complete blockage of blood supply to the brain, causing ischemic stroke. [4]