INS and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global pandemic, with an estimated 370 million people currently affected.[1,2] Stroke is an independent disorder and a typical macrovascular complication of T2D, and it is regarded as the second leading cause of death after ischaemic heart disease.[3,4] Diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia due to an absolute or relative deficiency in insulin, is a major risk factor for stroke.