For years, a daily low dose of aspirin has been prescribed to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, both for diabetic patients and non-diabetic. Aspirin thins the blood and prevents clots, which keeps blood flowing freely to the heart and brain. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease, due to the production of thromboxane, which causes blood vessels to constrict and cells to clump and form clots inside the arteries. Aspirin serves to block the thromboxane. However, aspirin may also cause increased bleeding in the brain, which could lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, and may also be responsible for gastrointestinal bleeding. Opinions are split as to whether or not benefits outweigh the risks, especially in the case of a diabetic and aspirin regimen. In 2010, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American College of Cardiology Foundation, and the American Heart Association issued stricter new guidelines as to when a person should or should not be taking daily doses of aspirin.
Diabetes and Aspirin Risks
For a diabetic, aspirin in small daily doses may reduce the chances of a heart attack, as their diabetes already places them in a higher risk group. This becomes greater if they have high blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of a second episode, for those who have already had a heart attack or stroke, and for those who have had heart disease. However, some people may experience irritation in the stomach’s lining, which can result in nausea, vomiting, pain, or internal bleeding. People who have bleeding in the digestive tract should avoid it entirely, as should anyone who has liver disease, and those under the age of 21. In fact, recent guidelines are much stricter as to age recommendations for a diabetic and aspirin regimen.
What are the Current Diabetes and Aspirin Guidelines?
In the case of someone who has a high risk of stroke or heart attack and is diabetic, aspirin may be recommended as a daily treatment. If this is the case, a coated form of aspirin will move through the stomach without dissolving and directly into the intestine for absorption, reducing side effects. In 2010, the ADA and others issued new guidelines regarding a daily aspirin regimen for diabetics. They recommend that doctors prescribe between 75-162 mg/day to diabetic men over 50 years of age, and women with diabetes older than 60, only if they are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include those who are smokers, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of the disease. People who are younger and those who are not at high risk are probably better off not taking daily dosages of aspirin.
