PATTERN OF STROKE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS PRESENTING TO TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with diabetes mellitus being a significant risk factor. Diabetic patients are predisposed to both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke due to vascular complications. Understanding the stroke pattern in diabetic individuals is crucial for targeted prevention and management strategies. Objective: To assess the pattern of stroke—ischemic or hemorrhagic-in diabetic patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Medicine, Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat. Duration of Study: The study spanned a defined period (29-July-2023 to 29 January 2024). Methods: A total of 100 diabetic patients presenting with stroke were enrolled. Demographic data, including age, gender, and history of hypertension, were collected. Stroke type was confirmed using neuroimaging techniques such as CT or MRI. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, with chi-square tests applied to assess the association between patient characteristics and stroke type. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 51.65 ± 13.56 years. A male predominance was noted (61%). Hypertension was present in 61% of patients. Ischemic stroke was more prevalent (87%) compared to hemorrhagic stroke (13%). A statistically significant association was found between increasing age and the type of stroke (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Ischemic stroke is significantly more common than hemorrhagic stroke among diabetic patients, accounting for 87% of cases. Age appears to be an essential factor influencing stroke type. These findings underscore the need for proactive screening and prevention of ischemic events in diabetic populations.