A new Diabetes Australia model, based on research recently published in the Medical Journal of Australia , shows nearly 10,000 stroke hospitalizations each year in Australia among people with diabetes, and this represents approximately one in four strokes in Australia.
Greg Johnson, CEO of Diabetes Australia invites you to take some steps to reduce your risk of stroke.
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- The first thing you need to do is stay on top of your diabetes control and make sure your glucose levels are being controlled as well as possible.
- Blood pressure is also important. Keep it as close to the target range as possible.
- Choosing healthy foods is very important, including limiting foods high in saturated fat and salt, as well as getting regular physical activity, and if you smoke, this is a good week to quit.
- If your weight is above your healthy weight range, losing even a small amount of weight can help lower your blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels.
- Above all, you should talk to your GP. If you are isolating yourself at home due to COVID, you can still make an appointment with your GP online. Your GP can help you lose weight, control your blood pressure, help you quit smoking, and there are new treatments that can also play an important role in reducing the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.