In a nutshell
The authors aimed to determine whether prediabetes was a risk factor for recurring stroke in patients with TIA or minor stroke. They concluded that prediabetes increases the risk of stroke in this population of patients.
Some background
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a type of minor stroke where a blood vessel is temporarily blocked. For TIA patients, there is a greater risk of recurring stroke. Diabetes is a disease where sugar levels are not regulated by the body. Evidence has shown that diabetes is a major risk factor for recurring stroke in patients who have had a minor stroke. Patients with prediabetes have high blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. It is unknown whether prediabetes increases the risk of recurring stroke in TIA patients.
Methods & findings
The authors aimed to determine whether prediabetes is a risk factor for recurring stroke in patients who have had TIA or minor stroke.
5135 patients were included who have had a minor stroke or TIA. Of these, 1587 had diabetes, 409 had prediabetes and the remaining 3139 patients had normal blood sugar regulation. After three months, the level of recurring stroke was analyzed.
Overall, 512 patients had a stroke during the 3-month follow-up time.
Patients with diabetes had a 2.5 fold increase in risk of stroke compared to those with normal blood sugar regulation.
For patients with prediabetes, there was a 1.5 fold increase in risk of stroke compared to patients with normal blood sugar levels.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that prediabetes is a risk factor for stroke in patients who have had TIA or minor stroke.
Published By :
Neurology
Date :
Sep 09, 2016
