OBJECTIVE

To analyze the sex and age characteristics of modifiable risk factors for stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The single-center study included 476 patients with T2DM with a mean age of 58 years [36; 79]. The patients were divided into groups by sex and age. Clinical history, laboratory parameters, and modifiable risk factors for stroke were evaluated. All patients were checked for polyneuropathy.

RESULTS

Overall in patients with T2DM, the most common risk factors for stroke were hyperglycemia (60.9%), hypertension (59.8%), tachycardia (57.7%), proteinuria (57.3%), chronic renal failure (CRF, 49.5%), hypercholesterolemia (HCH, 47.2%), overweight (43.6%), anemia (35.0%), and obesity (31.7%). In females, the prevalence of anemia, hyperglycemia, and CRF was higher than in males. Polyneuropathy was more common in males than in females (36.2% vs. 14.8%, respectively, p<0.05). Hyperglycemia was more common in patients of both sexes at a young age. Hypertension, hyperglycemia, and tachycardia were more common in males and females aged 45—59 years. In elderly men, the main risk factors were hypertension (50%), chronic renal failure (51.6%), and tachycardia (48.3%), and in women, hyperglycemia (63.0%), chronic renal failure (63.0%), and hypertension (60.5%). In old age, hyperglycemia (72.7%), hypertension (63.6%), and overweight (54.5%) were more frequent in females. Correlation analysis showed a direct relationship between venous blood glucose and heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (AP), and an inverse relationship with hemoglobin level and glomerular filtration rate. In males, glucose levels were also correlated with pulse pressure and proteinuria.

CONCLUSION

The results highlight the importance of glucose and blood pressure control, especially in younger patients.