Stroke Associated with Diabetes among Canadians: Sex and Age Differences

Abstract

<i>Objective:</i> To determine the age and sex variations in the relationship between diabetes and stroke. <i>Methods:</i> This analysis was based on data from 61,327 Canadians ≧45 years of age who participated in the Canadian Community Health Survey in 2000–2001. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between diabetes and stroke, and effect modification by age and sex. <i>Results:</i> The association between diabetes and stroke was stronger in the 45- to 64-year age group than the ≧65 year age group in men but not in women. The increased risk of stroke associated with diabetes was much stronger in men (adjusted OR = 3.86, 95% CI = 2.44–6.13) than in women (adjusted OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 0.88–2.99), and this difference was only observed in the younger age group. The results were similar after further adjustment for hypertension and heart disease. <i>Conclusions:</i> There is a stronger association between stroke and diabetes in men than in women 45–64 years of age, suggesting men are more susceptible to stroke than women when they have diabetes.