A new study out of South Korea found that diabetics who have a stroke are less likely to have a second one if they can keep their blood sugar in the 6.8 to 7 percent range.
Diabetes is typically marked by an A1C blood sugar result of 6.5 percent. Normal blood sugar levels are considered 5.7 percent or lower. Having diabetes is associated with an increased risk for stroke, heart attack, and other vascular trouble.
The study included more than 18,500 people with diabetes at an average age of 70 that were admitted to the hospital for an ischemic stroke (which is caused by blood clotting). They had an average A1C of 7.5 percent.
A year later, researchers learned that 1,437 (8 percent) participants had a heart attack or died from vascular disease. Close to 5 percent experienced another stroke.
Bur there seemed to be a strong association between blood sugar and the risk for trouble. They found that risk was 27 percent higher when A1C levels were higher than 7 percent, compared to those admitted with 6.5 percent or lower.
The results suggest that keeping a close eye on blood sugar is very important for avoiding a second stroke or experiencing a major cardiovascular event in diabetics.
Taking action to minimize blood sugar, like eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise, can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk for a host of potential dangers.
Of course, you should be following any other treatment procedures, including medication, that your doctor has advised.