A recent study has found that a daily low-dose of aspirin led to a 15% decrease in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals aged 65 and above. However, these results are complicated by prior research indicating that the use of aspirin significantly raises the likelihood of bleeding, necessitating careful consideration before it is prescribed to the elderly.
Current medical guidelines suggest that daily aspirin intake among elderly adults should be restricted to particular medical conditions, such as post-heart attack care, due to the elevated risk of bleeding in this age group.
Forthcoming research, scheduled to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg, Germany from October 2-6, indicates that a daily 100mg dosage of aspirin may lessen the risk of type 2 diabetes by 15% for those aged 65 or older.
Leading the study, Professor Sophia Zoungas of the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, stresses that these new findings necessitate further investigation into the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin for diabetes prevention.
The certainty surrounding aspirin’s effect on the onset of type 2 diabetes among older adults remains inconclusive. This research examined the randomized treatment effects of low-dose aspirin on the occurrence of diabetes and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in this demographic. This is a follow-up to the ASPREE trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the main results of which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018. The initial study revealed that aspirin led to a 38% rise in the risk of major bleeding episodes among elderly individuals, without showing any reduction in cardiovascular disease incidents.
The study involved 16,209 participants (8,086 in the aspirin group and 8,123 in the placebo group) who were community-dwelling, over 65 years of age, and without pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, physical disabilities limiting independence, or dementia. These participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily dose of 100mg of aspirin or a placebo. The onset of diabetes was ascertained through self-reports, initiation of glucose-lowering medication, and/or a FPG level of 7.0 mmol/L or higher during annual check-ups. Patients with diabetes at the onset of the study were not included. Statistical and computer modeling evaluated the effects of aspirin on the occurrence of diabetes and FPG levels.
Over an average follow-up period of 4.7 years, the study recorded 995 new cases of diabetes (459 in the aspirin group and 536 in the placebo group). Compared to the placebo group, those on aspirin experienced a 15% reduction in new diabetes cases as well as a slower rate of increase in their FPG levels (annual change in FPG: -0.006 mmol/L).
In conclusion, the authors state, “The aspirin regimen resulted in a reduced rate of newly diagnosed diabetes and a moderated increase in fasting plasma glucose among initially healthy older adults. Given the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in this age group, the role of anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin in either preventing type 2 diabetes or improving glucose levels warrants additional research.”
Professor Zoungas adds, “Previous findings from the ASPREE trial in 2018 indicated that aspirin did not extend healthy independent living and was linked with a notable rise in bleeding risk, mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. Hence, existing medical guidelines advocate the use of daily aspirin in older adults solely for specific medical circumstances, like after a heart attack.”
“These intriguing new findings, however, do not modify the existing clinical recommendations regarding the use of aspirin in the elderly at this point.”
Meeting: Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Low-Dose Aspirin and Diabetes Risk in Elderly
What is the main finding of the recent study on low-dose aspirin and diabetes in the elderly?
The recent study found that a daily low-dose of aspirin led to a 15% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among adults aged 65 and older.
Are there any risks associated with taking low-dose aspirin for diabetes prevention?
Yes, previous research has shown that aspirin use is linked to a significant risk of bleeding, especially in older adults. This complicates its prescription for diabetes prevention.
What do current medical guidelines say about prescribing aspirin to elderly adults?
Current medical guidelines recommend that daily aspirin intake among elderly adults should be restricted to specific medical conditions, such as following a heart attack, primarily due to the elevated risk of bleeding in this age group.
Who led the research study on low-dose aspirin and diabetes risk in the elderly?
The study was led by Professor Sophia Zoungas of the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
What further research does the study suggest?
The study suggests that further investigation is needed to explore the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents like aspirin in diabetes prevention among older adults.
Where will the new research be presented?
The new research is scheduled to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg, Germany, from October 2-6.
What was the sample size and follow-up period for the study?
The study involved 16,209 participants with a median follow-up period of 4.7 years.
How many new cases of diabetes were recorded in the study?
The study recorded a total of 995 new cases of diabetes—459 in the aspirin group and 536 in the placebo group.
Does the study change current clinical advice regarding aspirin use in older adults?
No, the study does not modify the existing clinical recommendations regarding the use of aspirin in the elderly. The current guidelines continue to advocate the use of daily aspirin only when there is a specific medical reason.
Was the study a follow-up to any previous research?
Yes, this research is a follow-up to the ASPREE trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study whose main results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018.
More about Low-Dose Aspirin and Diabetes Risk in Elderly
- Study on Low-Dose Aspirin and Diabetes Risk in Elderly
- European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting
- Current Medical Guidelines on Aspirin Use in Older Adults
- The ASPREE Trial Published in the New England Journal of Medicine
- Previous Research on Bleeding Risks Associated with Aspirin Use
7 comments
Good to see more research in this field, but it’s clearly a complicated issue. Bleeding risks can’t be ignored, especially when we’re talking about an age group that’s already vulnerable. No easy answers here.
so, does this mean my grandma should start taking aspirin? or wait for more research? kinda confusing but interesting nonetheless.
Always amazed by what scientists are finding. Never thought aspirin could have such an effect. It’s just like you think you know something and then bam! Science throws a curveball.
Given the cost of managing diabetes, any preventive measures like this should be studied further. Of course, safety first, but the economic implications are big too.
Wow, this is really eye-opening! I always thought aspirin was just for headaches, who knew it could be a game changer for diabetes too? But that bleeding risk though… makes me think twice.
Gotta say, the research is interesting but are they sure about the reduced risk? I mean, it’s just 15% right? Need to weigh that against bleeding risks for sure.
interesting findings but let’s not jump the gun here. A 15% reduction is good but still not a cure-all. More data is needed for sure.