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Home arrow Endocrine arrow Diabetes arrow Aspirin and Diabetes
Aspirin and Diabetes

 It has long been known that aspirin can prevent a second heart attack in many people. However, over the last decade, there has been a lot of debate over the notion that an aspirin a day can prevent first heart attacks in people with diabetes. Most recent guidelines recommend that anyone with a greater than 10% risk of cardiovascular disease, take a baby aspirin a day to prevent heart attack.  People with diabetes were thought to belong in this category. However, more recent studies are suggesting that aspirin may not keep patient with diabetes from having a first heart attack as first thought. Now, people with diabetes are asking if they should stop taking their aspirin.


The results of the new study come as a surprise and doesn’t seem to make sense to experts. It is well-documented that people with diabetes have increased platelet activity, meaning their blood seems to clot more readily than if diabetes were not present. Aspirin works directly at these platelets, helping to keep them from ‘sticking’ together. This can help prevent heart attacks that are caused by blood clots that block the arteries of the heart.


Until further study is done to see just which patients with diabetes may benefit from taking aspirin and which may not, it is recommended that the original guidelines still be followed. This means it is still recommended that most people with diabetes take a baby aspirin a day to prevent a first heart attack. If you have diabetes and are wondering if aspirin is right for you, talk with your doctor before beginning any aspirin regimen.
 

 

Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D.

Dr. Larson is a Clinical Infusion Pharmacist, author of Empowered Medicine; A Guide for Consumers and creator of www.empoweredmedicine.com. You can read more about her by visiting www.EmpoweredMedicine.com and clicking on the 'About Us' tab.  EmpoweredMedicine.com is committed to providing evidence-based medical information.