Type 1 Diabetes and Stroke Risk: What a Rare Case Teaches Us

A case reported in 2025 describes a 58-year-old man with type 1 diabetes who experienced a stroke shortly after undergoing cardiac catheterization, a procedure used to examine blood vessels around the heart. The man had several other health conditions that increase stroke risk: high blood pressure, a history of smoking, and obesity. These combined factors created a perfect storm for a cardiovascular event.

His story underscores an important reality: type 1 diabetes doesn't exist in isolation. People with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke, particularly when they also have high blood pressure, smoke, or carry extra weight. Managing all of these conditions together is crucial for long-term health.

After his cardiac procedure, the man developed sudden dizziness, double vision, and nausea. These symptoms improved temporarily when he closed one eye—a clue that something was affecting the nerves controlling eye movement. On examination, doctors found he could not move one eye inward properly, and the other eye was moving involuntarily.

These specific symptoms pointed to a rare condition called internuclear ophthalmoplegia, a type of eye movement disorder. The underlying cause turned out to be a small stroke in the brainstem, the part of the brain that controls vital functions and coordinates movement.

The initial brain scan showed nothing unusual, but a second MRI with special attention to the brainstem revealed the problem: a tiny area of damaged tissue in the right side of the brainstem caused by reduced blood flow. This confirmed an acute stroke.

The man was treated with dual antiplatelet medications (blood thinners) for three weeks, then switched to aspirin alone. He was also started on a statin medication to manage cholesterol. With an eye patch to ease his double vision and time for healing, his symptoms gradually improved. Three months of follow-up care in a stroke clinic helped ensure his recovery stayed on track.

This case is a reminder that people with type 1 diabetes need to actively manage all their cardiovascular risk factors. That means keeping blood pressure controlled, quitting smoking if applicable, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing cholesterol—all in addition to managing blood sugar.

If you or someone you care for with type 1 diabetes experiences sudden vision changes, dizziness, difficulty speaking, weakness, or facial drooping, seek emergency care immediately. These are signs of a possible stroke, and rapid treatment can make a significant difference in recovery.

Source: South Dakota medicine : the journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.