Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Type 2 diabetes diagnosis actually doubles the risk of having a stroke. If you have diabetes, then your chances of having a stroke are doubled.

Taking care of diabetes can be very stressful and time-consuming. The stresses of diabetes management are more than just controlling your blood glucose. Diabetics must also manage blood pressure, control their weight, watch their cholesterol, and talk with their health provider to learn about other ways to reduce their chances for heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetics are a major risk factor for stroke and heart attacks. A diabetic's body can't handle glucose properly, and it can't process fats efficiently. This causes the risk of high blood pressure. Diabetes also interferes with your body's ability to break down blood clots, which increases your risk for stroke.

Strokes occur because there's a blockage of an artery in the brain by a clot. This is the part of the brain that is supplied by that clotted blood vessel because it's then deprived of oxygen and blood. Because of this, the cells of that part of the brain die. Then blood pressure is affected, causing it to rise to dangerous levels.

Here is a list of symptoms of stroke so you can ensure your safety:

1. Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs, especially on one side of the body.

2. The loss of voluntary movement and/or sensation with tingling.

3. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.

4. Weakness in the muscles of the face causing drooling.

5. Unexpected trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

6. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.

7. Sudden and severe headache.

You're not alone if you don't want to suffer a stroke! Here are some tips to help you keep your diabetes in check and will decrease your chances of having a stroke:

1. Exercise. Walking the dog, swimming, or joining a gym are great exercises.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Fresh and healthy vegetables and delicious fish or chicken are just a few examples of delectable and healthy foods.

3. Lower stress. Take a bath, listen to soft music, or set aside 20 minutes a day just for yourself.

4. Have good sleeping habits. For the average adult, it's recommended seven to eight hours for good health.

5. Lose weight. Extra weight does nothing good for you. Take off that extra weight that's been weighing you down.

6. Listen to your doctor. You and your doctor should talk about a treatment plan that will benefit you, your health, and your safety.