Type 2 diabetes and stroke prevention: reduce your risk

• If you’re living with type 2 diabetes, understanding your stroke risk can help you take simple, proactive steps to protect your brain and heart.
• Stroke often develops quietly over time, but everyday habits - like staying active, eating a balanced diet, and managing your diabetes - can support stroke prevention¹.
• With the right support and a few consistent routines, you can feel more confident in managing your health and preventing diabetes complications.

A stroke can happen suddenly and is a serious condition, but knowing how it happens – and what you can do to reduce your risk – can help you feel more confident and in control¹.

Did you know your body’s systems are interconnected? That’s why people with type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to experience cardiovascular problems, including stroke^2,3. Therefore, if you have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to understand the impact your blood sugar can have on your heart, and how you can manage it^4,5. This page offers support, provides helpful information and includes simple steps that can make a real difference to your health.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage the walls of your blood vessels². This can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits (called plaques), which narrow the vessels and make it harder for blood to flow². This process is known as atherosclerosis, and it can increase the chances of blood clots forming². If a clot blocks blood flow to the brain, it can cause a stroke⁶. Learn more about how stroke occurs here.

Atherosclerosis can build up over years, often without any symptoms, and strokes can happen without warning^6,7. That’s why understanding your risk, and taking steps to prevent stroke, is an important part of your diabetes management. We’ve written more about heart disease risk and type 2 diabetes here.

A stroke can have a wide range of effects, depending on which part of the brain is affected. It may cause⁸:

• difficulty with movement or coordination
• changes in speech, memory or thinking
• pain or discomfort
• emotional challenges, such as depression.

For people with diabetes, the risk of long-term complications after a stroke can be higher. This may sound scary, but don’t worry! Many of these risks can be reduced with simple everyday habits.

Daily habits to help prevent stroke

The good news is that small changes can help protect your brain and your heart, and prevent diabetes complications. Follow these tips for managing your blood sugar and reducing your risk of stroke^9-12:

And remember – you are not alone! Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional – they can help you understand your personal risk and guide you through a plan that feels right for you. With the right support and a few everyday habits, you can take meaningful steps to protect your health and feel your best.

Take a step toward protecting your brain and heart by downloading our conversation guide, to support you in your conversations with your healthcare professional about how to reduce your risk of stroke.

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