DIABETICS AND STROKE

Did you know that diabetics are more likely to have a stroke than the general population? Since immediate care after a stoke is urgent, it is important to know the signs of stroke. Remember the word FAST to help you remember the signs. They are:
Face: Numbness in the face, changes in vision, uneven smile
Arm & Leg: Weakness or numbness, trouble walking
Speech: Slurred Speech, Inappropriate words, Mute (words won't come)
Time: Time is of the essence; call 911 at the first signs!

Did you know stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States?
Approximately 800,000 suffer a stroke each year.

There is one drug that can reverse symptoms and reduce long-term disablility in those who suffer an ischemic stroke (abstruction of blood flow to the brain). However it must be administered within 3 hours of symptoms and test must be run to determine if the stroke was ischemic before the drugs can be administered. Thus the need for getting to a hospital immediately.

F.A.S.T. stands for:

• Face drooping—Can the person smile normally, or does one side of the face droop?
• Arm weakness—When the person raises both arms, does one drift downward?
• Speech difficulty—Can the person speak normally, or is speech slurred?
• Time to call 911—If you see or experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

A person does not have to be experiencing all these symptoms to be having a stroke. Any one symptom is enough to call 911 immediately. The faster treatment can be started, the better.