Stroke associated with diabetes among Canadians: Sex and age differences

Objective: To determine the age and sex variations in the relationship between diabetes and stroke. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.