Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, which increases the risk of stroke, according to National Institutes of Health (NIH). Diabetics have a much greater risk stroke, and two out of three people with diabetes die from stroke or heart disease, according to the National Stroke Association. If you recognize the symptoms of stroke, and get medical attention within an hour of suffering a stroke, the NIH says permanent neurological or brain damage can be prevented.
Vision Symptoms
Some symptoms of stroke involve vision. Since diabetes is a disease that can affect vision anyway, these signs of stroke can be overlooked. The National Stroke Association lists vision symptoms as blurred vision, double vision or a complete loss of vision. While these can happen over time with diabetics, when they occur within the context of a stroke, vision changes come on suddenly.
Motor Symptoms
Other symptoms that come on suddenly in a diabetic stroke victim involve the use of the body's muscles. When a stroke occurs, the patient may have difficulty standing, or even controlling the movement of arms or legs. This can be from sudden weakness or even numbness. These symptoms can be dangerous, especially if the patient is driving or walking, as he may have an accident or serious fall.
Neurological Symptoms
The National Institutes of Health also lists symptoms that show a stroke's effect on the nervous system. The victim may experience a severe headache that comes on suddenly, and have trouble controlling speech or even talking. Sudden confusion is also a symptom of stroke.
If you, or a loved one, have diabetes and begin to experience any of these symptoms, get to a hospital or call emergency medical services immediately. The National Stroke Association states that for every minute the brain goes without oxygen during a stroke, there is brain damage that may not be reversible.
