Diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and stroke

Abstract

It is well established that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Once a stroke has occurred, patients with diabetes experience poorer outcomes (functional status, mortality). Convincing data now support aggressive glucose control and comprehensive cardiovascular risk factor management to prevent stroke in patients with diabetes. However, there remains a distinct paucity of information concerning secondary stroke prevention. Hyperglycemia in the acute stroke setting is a marker for poor outcomes, but it remains unclear whether intensive in-hospital lowering of blood glucose levels improves clinical outcomes. Targeting insulin resistance as a modifiable risk factor for stroke is a novel strategy currently under investigation.