What is the rationale behind obtaining HbA1c levels during the stroke hospitalization?
A. Various studies including the Framingham study, have shown that diabetes is associated with an increased stroke risk in both men and women independent of age and hypertension. It has also been revealed that mortality from cerebrovascular disease is greatly increased among individuals with elevated blood glucose levels. In spite of all the clear evidence regarding the increased stroke risk associated with diabetes, glycemic control is inadequate for between 30 and 50% of the diabetic population. Obtaining HgbA1c levels during the stroke hospitalization enables us to identify undiagnosed/ poorly maintained diabetics, with the aim of optimizing glycemic control, in order to reduce the risk of microvascular complications including stroke.
