Disorders of blood glucose levels in adult patients with acute Ischemic stroke

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Effective and timely prevention of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is characterized by a rising socio-medical importance as this is the most common cerebrovascular disease worldwide and in Bulgaria as well. Our purpose was to reveal the incidence rate of the disorders of glucose metabolism in AIS development among adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 129 male and 129 female patients with AIS at a mean age of 70.59±7.22 years hospitalized in the First Clinic of Neurology, St. Marina University Hospital of Varna in 2007-2013. Blood glucose concentrations at admission were examined. Statistical data processing was performed by variation (ANOVA as t-criterion was considered significant if p<0.05) and correlation (Pearson's coefficient) analyses. RESULTS: Mean fasting blood glucose levels were most commonly elevated and total ones were higher in males than in females except for the minimal value. The males with abnormally elevated blood glucose values present with higher mean and maximal values than the females. The number and relative share of the patients with increased blood glucose values at admission considerably prevailed. The difference between the number of the males with increased values and that of those with normal values was statistically significant (t=3.33; p<0.01). There was moderate correlation between the level of blood glucose and the preceding diabetes mellitus (r=0.431) and a strong one between this level and the newly-diagnosed diabetes mellitus (r=0.733) among our AIS patients. CONCLUSION: The regular control of blood glucose by the general practitioners and the promotion of the healthy lifestyle in cardiovascular disease patients could successfully prevent AIS in Bulgaria.