PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSESSMENT OF STROKE IN DIABETIC VERSUS NON DIABETIC PATIENTS AT HAYATABAD MEDICAL COMPLEX PESHAWAR

Abstract

Stroke remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with its burden exacerbated in developing regions like District Peshawar, Pakistan. Among the numerous risk factors associated with stroke, diabetes mellitus (DM) has been increasingly recognized for its significant role in exacerbating cerebrovascular risk. Diabetes not only promotes atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation but also interacts synergistically with other comorbidities like hypertension and dyslipidemia, elevating the likelihood and severity of ischemic events. With the rising prevalence of DM in low-resource settings, there is a growing need to investigate its role in modifying stroke patterns within local populations. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and clinical characteristics of stroke in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients admitted with acute cerebrovascular events in District Peshawar. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 60 stroke patients (30 diabetics, 30 non-diabetics) recruited at Hayat Abad Medical Complex, with data collected through structured questionnaires, clinical assessments, and neuroimaging (CT/MRI) from January to May 2025. Results revealed that diabetic stroke patients had a significantly higher Body Mass Index (BMI: 29.43 vs. 25.82 kg/m²) and a greater prevalence of hypertension (46.7% vs. 20%), dyslipidemia (36.7% vs. 13.3%), and prior cardiovascular disease (26.7% vs. 6.7%) compared to non-diabetics. Moreover, ischemic strokes predominated in diabetics (83.3%) while non-diabetics showed a relatively higher rate of hemorrhagic strokes (43.3%). The statistical significance of these findings (p < 0.0 highlights diabetes as a major determinant not only in stroke incidence but also in its type and associated risk profile.