Long-term glycemic variability and risk of stroke in patients with diabetes: a meta-analysis
Diabetes patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications, out of which, stroke is severe comorbidity. It has been known that the risk of vascular complication increases with long-term glycemic variability. However, the association between parameters of long-term glycemic variability and the risk of stroke remains unclear. Hence, Xiaoli Ren and colleagues conducted a study under the title “Long-term glycemic variability and risk of stroke in patients with diabetes: a meta-analysis” published in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome Journal. The summary of this study is given below:
Objective:
To investigate the possible independent association between long-term glycemic variability measured through different metrics and the risk of stroke in people with diabetes.
Method:
Longitudinal follow-up studies that compare the prevalence of stroke in diabetic patients with higher or lower long-term glycemic variability were selected from Embase, Medline, and Web of Science databases. The result was concluded by using a random-effect model to integrate the potential heterogeneity among the selected studies.
Findings:
The study found a higher risk of stroke in patients with increased long-term glycemic variability. Additionally, the included studies suggested the adverse influence of elevated glycemic variability on the pathogenesis and severity of stroke. Attempts should be made in order to maintain glycemic control that may reduce the incidence of stroke in T2DM patients. Hence, glycemic fluctuation should be examined in the risk assessment for stroke.
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