Irv Gotti, a prominent figure in the hip-hop world has reportedly had another stroke within the space of just over a year. However, there is no official word on his prognosis by his representatives. There have been rumors spreading on social media alleging that Gotti is brain dead and is in a coma on life support. This too has not been confirmed by anyone from the musician’s side.
Irv Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., is a prominent American record producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with artists such as Ja Rule, Ashanti, and Jay-Z.
Irv Gotti & Diabetes
In recent years, Gotti has been open about his health challenges, particularly his battle with diabetes. He has emphasized the prevalence of diabetes in the Black community and its detrimental effects on the body. In a 2024 interview on the “Drink Champs” podcast, he stated, “It’s [diabetes] rampant with Black people. What it does is, it starts deteriorating your body.”
Well the statistics says the same, In 2020, hospitalization rates for uncontrolled diabetes among non-Hispanic Black adults were nearly four times higher than those for non-Hispanic white adults.
Gotti has also discussed the importance of dietary changes in managing diabetes, acknowledging the difficulty of avoiding foods he enjoys. He mentioned, “When my [blood sugar] gets too high, shot [of insulin]. It’s reversible but you gotta change the way you eat.”
In early 2024, Gotti suffered a minor stroke attributed to complications from diabetes. A representative confirmed that he had been struggling with diabetes for years, which led to the stroke. Following this health scare, Gotti adopted a healthier diet and made significant lifestyle changes, leading to a full recovery. Non-Hispanic Black adults are 50% more likely to have a stroke compared to non-Hispanic white adults.
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of stroke due to its effects on blood vessels and overall cardiovascular health. Here’s how:
1. High Blood Sugar Damages Blood Vessels – Chronically high blood sugar levels cause inflammation and damage, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), leading to blockages in arteries that supply blood to the brain.
2. Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)- Eating too much sugar leads to high insulin levels, which can make blood vessels stiff and less flexible (a condition called endothelial dysfunction) which makes it harder for blood to flow, causing increased pressure on the heart and vessels.
3. Higher Risk of Blood Clots (Thrombosis)- Diabetes increases the stickiness of blood, making it more likely for clots to form. These clots can block arteries in the brain, causing an ischemic stroke (the most common type of stroke).
4. Increased Risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke- Weak, damaged blood vessels due to diabetes are more prone to rupturing, leading to bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
5. Insulin Resistance and Cholesterol Issues- People with diabetes often have high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and low levels of HDL (good cholesterol), contributing to plaque buildup in arteries.
6. Increased Risk of Atrial Fibrillation (Irregular Heartbeat)- Diabetes can lead to atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart. If a clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke.
People with diabetes are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to have a stroke compared to those without diabetes. The risk is even higher if diabetes is uncontrolled, combined with high blood pressure, obesity, or smoking.
Gotti’s openness about his health struggles underscores the importance of awareness and management of chronic conditions like diabetes, especially given their potential to lead to serious complications such as strokes.