Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability. Diabetics are twice as likely than other people to suffer a stroke, reports the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network.

A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, causing brain cells to die. This can affect abilities controlled by that area of the brain, such as speech, movement, and memory. For every minute that brain cells are deprived of oxygen during stroke, the likelihood of brain damage increases. Treatment is more effective if given early.

Eighty percent of strokes are preventable.

These are the symptoms of a stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If someone may be having a stroke, the following test can be helpful:

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he or she repeat the sentence correctly?

• Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast.

For a fact sheet on strokes, contact the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network at (800) 369- 9522 from anywhere in the Upper Peninsula.