No significant association was found between IGF-1 and ischemic stroke risk [risk ratio (RR) = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.97–2.92, I2 = 82.2%, random-effects model], nor was there a significant impact of IGF-1 on unfavorable outcomes after ischemic stroke (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.89–2.68, I2 = 86.6%, random-effects model). Here, IGF1 is linked to ischemic stroke.