Diabetes Mellitus among Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Admitted to the Department of Medicine in a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern and a continuously growing chronic disease worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is one of the modifiable, independent, and major risk factors of ischemic stroke. This study aimed to find the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Medicine in a tertiary care centre. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Medicine from 19 July 2023 to 19 November 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Detailed clinical history, random blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin were used to define diabetes mellitus. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 80 patients, diabetes mellitus was seen in 25 (31.25%) (21.09-41.41, 95% Confidence Interval). Among them, 19 (76%) had previously diagnosed and 6 (24%) had newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. The poor glycemic control was seen in 11 (44%). Conclusions: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among patients with acute ischemic stroke was found to be higher than in studies done in similar settings.