There have been many well established studies that have proven that people suffering from Diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease, and that for an astounding 80% of Diabetics cardiovascular disease will be the cause of death.  For these people one of the most common forms of treatment; as advised by several UK guidelines; used to counter the underlying high risk of a heart attack and stroke has been Aspirin.

However a new study; released today by the British Medical Journal, www.bmj.com; has proven that people with Diabetes; that have shown no signs of cardiovascular disease previously; have no benefit in taking Aspirin as a preventative measure. 

In summary the study reported the following outcomes:

16 Hospitals supported by 118 Primary Care Groups took part in the study between November 1997 and July 2007.

1276 adults, over the age of 40, all of whom had type 1 or type 2 diabetes, with no previous symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease took part.

Out of the 1276 adults, the following groups were studied; 100mg Aspirin + an Antioxidant Capsule; 100mg Aspirin Tablet + a Placebo Tablet; a Placebo Tablet + an Antioxidant Capsule; and finally a Placebo Tablet + a Placebo Tablet.

Out of the above groups,  116 out of 638 primary events occurred in the Aspirin Groups, against 117 out of 638 within the no Aspirin groups, therefore showing that no evidence has been found to support the use of Aspirin or an Antioxidant as a prevention of Cardiovascular Events or Mortality in those people with Diabetes that were studied.

Please note that it has been proven that Aspirin IS EFFECTIVE as a secondary prevention for people that already suffer from Cardiovascular Disease, regardless of whether they have diabetes or not.