By Daily Aspirin May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Older Adults
A recent study suggests that taking a small daily dose of aspirin (100 mg) could lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in older adults. Researchers found that those who took aspirin were 15% less likely to develop diabetes compared to those who did not.
The study will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg, Germany, from October 2 to 6, 2023.
Who Led the Study?
Professor Sophia Zoungas from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, led the research. The findings suggest that aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs might help prevent diabetes. However, more research is needed before any official recommendations can be made.
Why Aspirin?
Aspirin is commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation. It is also prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Scientists have been studying whether aspirin’s anti-inflammatory effects could also help prevent diabetes.
Since inflammation plays a role in type 2 diabetes, reducing it might lower the risk of developing the disease.
Study Details
Researchers analyzed data from the ASPREE trial, a large study on aspirin use in older adults. The trial was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, meaning neither participants nor researchers knew who was taking aspirin and who was taking a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients).
The ASPREE trial, published in 2018, found that aspirin increased the risk of major bleeding in older adults without clear heart health benefits.
For this new study:
16,209 adults aged 65 and older (without diabetes) participated.
Half (8,086) took 100 mg of aspirin daily, while the other half (8,123) took a placebo.
Participants were monitored for 4.7 years on average.
A new case of diabetes was identified based on:
A doctor’s diagnosis
The start of diabetes medication
A fasting blood sugar level of 7.0 mmol/L or higher
At the end of the study, 995 participants developed diabetes:
459 in the aspirin group
536 in the placebo group
This means those taking aspirin had a 15% lower risk of developing diabetes. They also had a slower increase in fasting blood sugar levels over time.
What Do These Findings Mean?
The results suggest that aspirin may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in older adults due to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, Professor Zoungas warns that aspirin is not currently recommended for diabetes prevention.
The original ASPREE trial showed that aspirin increases the risk of serious bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestines. Because of this, current medical guidelines advise older adults to take aspirin only if they have a medical reason, such as a history of heart disease.
Should You Take Aspirin?
For now, medical experts recommend:
Following existing health guidelines
Speaking with a doctor before making any changes to aspirin use
Other Health Insights
If you are interested in diabetes prevention, studies suggest that:
Pomace olive oil may help lower blood cholesterol
Honey could help control blood sugar
Blueberries benefit people with metabolic syndrome
Eggs in a plant-based diet may help those with type 2 diabetes
The research findings are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
© 2025 Knowridge Science Report.
