Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes.
While aspirin eases blood clotting, its hemorrhagic complications can be dangerous.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines diabetes as a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. While diabetes has several forms, Type 2 is the most common. With the percentage of people affected by the disease on the rise, efforts and research are underway to control and prevent the ailment. In the latest attempts, a recently published study has shown that a group of medications called salicylates, which are commonly referred to as aspirin can help control type 2 diabetes.
The full details concerning the study shall be presented at the annual conference of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Hamburg, Germany this October. The study points out that for people over 65, a low dose of daily aspirin can reduce their diabetes risk by up to 15%.
Correct Dose of Aspirin
Based on the details listed in the medical research where 16,209 participants took part in the project, the study indicates a very low daily dose of 100 mg of aspirin. Of these, 8086 individuals were given aspirin and the rest in the placebo condition were led to believe they had been given aspirin. The placebo effect takes into account the psychological benefits shown by the patient rather than any physiological effect.
During follow-up, 995 people were diagnosed with diabetes and blood sugar levels dropped by 15 per cent in those taking aspirin compared to placebo. In addition, the rate of increase in fasting glucose levels was also reduced.
Side Effects of High-Dose Aspirin
Dr Tushar Dial, a consultant in internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram told News 18 that ‘Studies like these have established how aspirin works. The medicine may affect inflammatory markers that contribute to insulin resistance. This will reduce fasting sugar levels. However, how much dose is given to diabetic patients is significant. However, if you give too much aspirin, it can have serious side effects,” he said.
Bimal Sajar, MD, former consultant and director of SAAOL Heart Center, Delhi, AIIMS, pointed out that aspirin is not a direct cure for diabetes. He told News 18, “While aspirin reduces diabetes effects, it does not directly cure diabetes. It will protect diabetics from cardiovascular problems.” He also said that aspirin can be used as a preventative medicine to prevent heart attacks and strokes in some diabetes patients.
Several medical experts have pointed out that while aspirin causes blood clotting, its hemorrhagic complications can be dangerous. It also includes risks of intestinal bleeding and bleeding disorders. However, the medicine’s healing properties vary from person to person.
