Impaired glucose regulation predicts mortality among stroke patients

This study examined whether impaired glucose regulation could be used to predict the outcome of patients following an ischemic stroke.

While diabetes and high blood levels of fats and sugars are known to increase the risk of strokes and poor prognosis in general, it remains uncertain if impaired glucose regulation (the way the body metabolizes sugars) could be used as a predictor for mortality among otherwise health stroke patients.

This study observed the effect of glucose regulation on the 1-year outcomes of 2639 Chinese ischemic stroke patients. Impaired glucose regulation (as measured by the standard oral glucose loading test) was shown to be an independent risk factor for mortality among ischemic stroke patients. The risk of mortality within one-year following a stroke was determined to be 3-times greater among patients with impaired glucose regulation. However, impaired glucose regulation showed no significant effects on the rate of additional strokes.

This study concluded that impaired glucose regulation significantly increases mortality risk among ischemic stroke patients. Glucose tolerance should be carefully monitored among stroke survivors and additional research should determine to potential benefit of glucose regulating therapies among these patients.

Consult with your physician regarding the importance of glycemic control screening among stroke survivors.