New Delhi, November 16, 2023: Taking aspirin every day could lower the type 2 diabetes risk among people over 65 (Indian over 60), a study suggests.
It found a 15% reduction in the condition and a slower rate of increase in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels – the preferred method for diagnosing diabetes.
The results came after a 100mg daily dose was given to more than 8,000 people, while another 8,000 had a placebo.
All those involved were over 65, free from cardiovascular disease, dementia and physical disabilities.
The reduced risk was recorded after a follow-up period of more than four years.
Researchers said the findings merit further work but stressed they don’t change current guidelines on aspirin use for older people.
The NHS states that 75mg of aspirin every day can help prevent strokes and heart attacks in people at high risk of them, but should only be taken if a doctor recommends it.
The new research was led by Professor Zoungas of Monash University’s school of public health in Melbourne.
It was a follow-up of a 2018 study that found 100mg of aspirin was not beneficial for older people and led to an increased risk of haemorrhage.
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Prof Zoungas said: “The earlier published trial findings from ASPREE in 2018 showed aspirin did not prolong healthy independent living, but was associated with a significantly increased risk of bleeding, primarily in the gastrointestinal tract.
“Major prescribing guidelines now recommend older adults take daily aspirin only when there is a medical reason to do so, such as after a heart attack.”
Diabetes UK said the link between aspirin and diabetes is still unclear and carries a risk of side effects.
“We know the use of daily aspirin increases risk of potentially serious bleeding in people with diabetes and others,” said the charity’s Dr Faye Riley.
“So we advise only taking daily low-dose aspirin if your doctor recommends it and they will discuss exactly what dose is right for you.”
Dr Riley said the best way to cut the risk of diabetes was to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet and do more physical activity.
Some 1.3 billion people could have diabetes by 2050 – more than double the current number – according to a study published in June in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal.
It called the condition one of the “biggest public health threats of our time”.
How do I reduce my cardiac and vascular risk as a diabetic patient?
It is important to remember that medical therapy should take place on a foundation of lifestyle change. Regular aerobic exercise, a heart healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, stress management, avoiding smoking, and illicit drugs, limiting alcohol and weight management are essential for good outcomes.
Close attention should be paid to blood pressure as poor hypertension control in diabetic patients is a strong risk factor for heart and vascular disease.
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are considered first line for the management of hypertension in diabetes given the protective effects for the kidneys.
Most patients with diabetes will benefit from statin therapy to lower the LDL cholesterol, so that patients should be aware of their cholesterol profile.
The use of aspirin should be restricted to patients who have established vascular disease or used selectively in those who are at very high risk for vascular complications.
Patients should aim for good glucose control, ideally with a medication regimen that includes a diabetic agent that lowers cardiac and vascular risk.
