Noncommunicable diseases News South Africa

New research questions the use of aspirin in diabetics

Aspirin should not be routinely used to prevent heart attacks in diabetics, according to Scottish research.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, reports that the drug had no benefit in the 1300 people who participated. This research contradicts guidelines that recommend a daily dose of aspirin in diabetics to counter their increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

However, researchers say that there are certain risk groups who should still use aspirin. In those who have already had a heart attack or stroke, daily aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of future events by up to 25%.

Daily aspirin use is one of the most common causes of admission to hospital with gastrointestinal bleeding.

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