Could Low-Dose Aspirin Reduce Diabetes Risk?

A new study reviewed whether taking low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes in older adults.

LeShan Reid, of Cockeysville, went to Mercy Medical Center a few months ago, when she knew something was "off" with her health.

"My diabetes was out of control; they call it uncontrolled diabetes. So, I primarily came in for that," Reid said. "I had general fatigue, maybe excessive urine, that type of thing."

After getting a full workup with Jenepher K. Piper, MSN, CRNP, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner specializing in Family Medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians at Hunt Valley, Reid's daily routine now includes aspirin.

So, could aspirin actually help reduce the risk for Type 2 diabetes? Piper discussed a recent study on adults 65 and older.

"The researchers were interested in confirming that aspirin had a beneficial impact on reducing Type 2 diabetes, and therefore, the incidence of cardiovascular disease in older adults," Piper said.

Piper noted that the older patients in the study did not have diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

"They found that those taking an aspirin, 100 mg a day, which is a little higher than our standard baby aspirin, had a 15 percent risk reduction in developing Type 2 diabetes," Piper said.

According to Piper, a sister study actually showed the same group of people had a 38 percent increased risk of bleeding and no increased benefit for prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Even though Reid doesn't fall into the age category studied, Piper said adding the aspirin to her routine has been beneficial.

"Her numbers are great, and hopefully, that will translate into longevity and lower risk for cardiovascular disease," Piper said.

Overall, it's another step in the right direction for Reid's overall health.

"The plan now is just to eat better, exercise more. I'm going to try and work out," Reid said.

While the study is interesting, more research is needed before doctors would start prescribing aspirin to help prevent diabetes.

View Mercy certified registered nurse practitioner Jenepher Piper’s interview regarding aspirin and diabetes risk.