COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF CLINICAL FEATURES, RADIOLOGICAL FINDINGS, AND OUTCOMES IN DIABETIC VS. NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established independent risk factor for stroke, associated with increased stroke severity and poorer outcomes. This study aimed to compare the clinical features, radiological ndings, and outcomes of AIS in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, from May 2022 to 2024. The study included 110 patients diagnosed with AIS, divided into diabetic (n=55) and non-diabetic (n=55) groups. Data collected included demographic variables, clinical presentation, risk factors, radiological ndings, and outcomes assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Modied Rankin Scale (mRS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26.0, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically signicant. Results: Diabetic patients showed a higher prevalence of risk factors, including hypertension (43.6% vs. 23.6%, p<0.01), obesity (45.5% vs. 23.6%, p<0.01), and dyslipidemia (61.8% vs. 36.4%, p<0.01). Smoking was signicantly more prevalent in non-diabetic patients (30.9%) compared to diabetic patients (7.3%), with a p-value of 0.02. Stroke severity was higher in diabetics, with 25.5% presenting with severe strokes compared to 9.1% of non-diabetics (p=0.04). Diabetic patients had signicantly lower ejection fractions (47.69 ± 8.66% vs. 54.21 ± 8.37%, p<0.01) and higher carotid intima-media thickness (0.96 ± 0.24 mm vs. 0.85 ± 0.23 mm, p<0.01). Mortality was higher in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control (25.0%) than those with good control (7.0%, p<0.01). Conclusion: Diabetic patients with AIS had more severe strokes, poorer functional outcomes, and higher mortality, particularly with poor glycemic control. Effective management of cardiovascular risk factors and stringent glucose control are critical in improving outcomes for this high-risk population.