Aspirin in people with diabetes: Time to clean up the prescription list?

Abstract

The effect of aspirin in primary cardiovascular (CV) prevention in people with diabetes is still a matter of debate. Recent results of ASCEND trial suggest that the absolute benefit on CV events is largely counter-balanced by the bleeding risk. However, one crucial question is whether aspirin should be maintained or withdrawn from the prescription list of those who are already under this therapy since a while ago. Indeed, large epidemiological data reported that the aspirin discontinuation was associated to an increased risk of CV events. Moreover, besides the CV outcome, potential positive impact of aspirin on cancer is still under investigation. To conclude, there is no more systematic indication for aspirin in people with diabetes free of CV disease, especially when diabetes and all other CV risk factors are optimally controlled. For those already on aspirin, data are not conclusive enough for a systematic approach and benefit/risk balance must be discussed with patients to take a shared decision.