With Diabetes, Aspirin Therapy Is Beneficial

Has your doctor prescribed aspirin therapy? If you have diabetes, chances are you have been told by your doctor to take one 81 mg aspirin tablet daily. The aspirin acts as a blood thinner and aids in preventing blood clotting.

Diabetes does increase your risk of having a heart attack or clot-related stroke (cardiovascular event). Peripheral artery disease, a condition in which your arteries narrow, reducing blood flow to your arms and legs, also increases your risk of cardiovascular events.

Aspirin interferes with your blood's ability to clot. Because diabetes increases your risk of cardiovascular events, daily aspirin therapy typically has been recommended as part of a diabetes management plan. Research has shown that aspirin therapy is effective at reducing the risk of heart attack and clot-related strokes if you've had a previous cardiovascular event. It also appears to reduce these risks if you're experiencing symptoms of peripheral artery disease, such as leg cramping, numbness or weakness.

What's not clear is whether aspirin lowers the risk of a cardiovascular event if you haven't experienced one before and you aren't experiencing symptoms of peripheral artery disease. More study is needed on the potential benefits and risks of aspirin therapy in these people.

If you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease or both, ask your doctor about daily aspirin therapy, including which strength of aspirin would be best.

Aspirin therapy does have potential side effects, such as bleeding and stroke caused by a leaking or burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people suffer stomach problems because of aspirin. Therefore, is you suspect that the stomachache you are having is caused by the aspirin, talk to your doctor immediately. It is also a good idea to chat periodically with your doctor about the aspirin you are using especially of you are using a dosage higher the 81 mg.