Prescription of Aspirin for adults with Diabetes

To evaluate the prescription of aspirin for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disorders in diabetic patients, in the light of American Diabetes Association guidelines.

In this retrospective analysis, presence of any cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk factor as defined in American Diabetes Association guidelines and the use of aspirin and other medication data were extracted from the case files of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus visiting two teaching hospitals.

Of 100 patients studied, 58% were men and 42% women and all were >/= 40 years of age. 45% had at least one cardiovascular disease and all (100%) were on aspirin for secondary prevention; 45% had one or more risk factors, of which 11% (05/45) had aspirin prescribed for primary prevention; remaining 10% had neither risk factors nor cardiovascular disease (but age >/= 40 years) and no aspirin documentation. Reasons for not using aspirin/antiplatelet drug were not recorded.

American Diabetes Association recommendations for aspirin use for secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases were strictly adhered to, in contrast to that for primary prevention. Under-prescription of aspirin could be attributed to the physicians' concern about the burden of poly-pharmacy and toxic effects of aspirin on long-term use. Extensive efforts are necessary to enhance aspirin use in this regard.