Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 24, 2026 2 hours, 10 minutes ago
Thailand Medical: A new study has revealed important findings about why ischemic stroke continues to affect many people across the country, especially those living with long-term diabetes and physically inactive lifestyles. The research offers clear and practical information that ordinary readers can understand, helping explain how everyday habits and long-standing health conditions may quietly increase stroke risk over time. The findings could help shape future prevention strategies and improve awareness among the general public.
Thai researchers identify long-term diabetes and sedentary lifestyles as key contributors to ischemic stroke while self-care habits may help lower risk.
Researchers And Institutions Behind the Study
The research was carried out by
Thailand Medical scientists from the Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University, Thailand, the Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand, and the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University, Sweden. Their goal was to investigate which factors were most strongly linked to newly diagnosed ischemic stroke in Thailand so that prevention efforts can be more targeted and effective.
Why Ischemic Stroke Remains a Serious Health Issue
Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, depriving brain cells of oxygen. This can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, or even death. In Thailand, ischemic stroke represents the majority of stroke cases and is a growing concern as more people live longer with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Many survivors face long-term challenges including speech problems, memory loss, reduced mobility, and difficulties carrying out daily activities.
How The Study Was Conducted
The researchers analyzed data from 337 participants in northeastern Thailand. The study included individuals who had recently experienced their first ischemic stroke and a comparison group of people with type 2 diabetes who had never had a stroke. Information was collected through detailed questionnaires covering lifestyle, occupation, social support, and self-care practices. Researchers then used statistical analysis to identify which factors were strongly linked to increased or reduced stroke risk.
Key Findings That Stand Out
The study identified several major risk factors. Men were found to have a higher likelihood of developing ischemic stroke compared to women. One of the strongest findings was that individuals living with type 2 diabetes for more than ten years faced significantly greater risk. Long-term high blood sugar can gradually damage blood vessels, making blockages more likely and increasing the chance of a stroke.
Another important discovery involved sedentary occupations. People whose daily routines involved long periods of sitting or very little physical movement showed much higher risk of stroke compared to those with active occupations. Lack of movement can affec
t circulation, body weight, and metabolic health, creating conditions that make stroke more likely over time.
The Role of Self Care and Prevention
An encouraging result from the study was the protective effect of moderate self-care management. Participants who regularly followed medical advice, attended health appointments, managed medications correctly, and maintained healthier daily habits were less likely to experience stroke. This Medical News report highlights that simple, consistent actions such as monitoring diabetes, staying active, and maintaining routine care may help reduce risk even among people already living with chronic conditions.
What The Findings Mean for Everyday People
The results suggest that stroke prevention is not only about hospital treatment but also about daily choices made at home and at work. People with long-term diabetes should pay closer attention to lifestyle habits and avoid prolonged sitting whenever possible. Health professionals may also need to emphasize movement, regular screening, and practical education programs to help patients manage their condition before complications develop.
Conclusion
The study clearly shows that prolonged diabetes and sedentary lifestyles play a major role in increasing ischemic stroke risk in Thailand, while moderate self-care behaviors can offer meaningful protection. These findings emphasize the importance of early prevention, regular health monitoring, and maintaining an active lifestyle. By combining medical guidance with practical everyday habits, communities can reduce stroke risk, improve long-term health outcomes, and lessen the growing burden of disability linked to ischemic stroke across the country.
The study findings were published in on a preprint server and are currently being peer reviewed.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.29.25321321v1
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