When it comes to diabetes, blood sugar is important for maintaining good levels of health. This can be difficult for some, especially as we get older. However, keeping blood sugar at a healthy level is important when it comes to staying healthy, active, and happy. But there’s more to healthy blood sugar levels than what first comes to mind. Current research suggests that there is a link between blood sugar levels and heart disease, particularly stroke.
If you have diabetes, current research suggests that there is an ideal range for blood sugar levels to be at in order to prevent a stroke from occurring. According to the team, based out of the Seoul National University College of Medicine, that range is 6.8 to 7.0 percent A1C.
Researchers looked at over 18,000 participants during this study. The average participant had an A1C level of 7.5 percent. Just for reference, 5.7 percent is considered normal, while 6.5 percent is an indicator that diabetes was present. For those with diabetes, if blood sugar was kept within the 6.8 to 7.0 percent range, the risk of a stroke was drastically diminished.
Diabetes has long been associated with a higher risk of suffering a first stroke. This observational study might point to the answer regarding why this is. In general, they found that people admitted into the hospital with an A1C level above 7.0 percent were 27 percent more likely to suffer from a heart attack. If their levels were above this number, they were 28 percent more likely to have a stroke. This was compared to people with diabetes who entered the hospital with A1C levels below the 7.0 threshold.
This study points to just how important it is to keep an eye on blood sugar levels. Whether you are a diabetic, or you have concerns about this aspect of your health, it’s important to work closely with a team of medical professionals to keep your health on the right track. If you’re not sure where to start or would like to learn more, be sure to speak with your general practitioner to get steered in the right direction.
Recently, this team of researchers published their findings in the journal, Neurology. Hopefully, this research helps influence and guide future research so that other researchers can build upon these findings in the future.
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