Low-dose aspirin (75 to 162 mg/day) is a “reasonable” choice for adults with diabetes who have a 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease above 10% and are not at increased risk for bleeding, according to a statement from the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, and the American College of Cardiology.

The statement, published in Circulation, is based on meta-analysis of nine trials examining the effects of aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease events in patients with diabetes. It also recommends the following:

  • Adults with diabetes who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (e.g., men over 50 or women over 60 with an additional CVD risk factor) should receive aspirin for primary prevention.
  • Patients at intermediate risk for cardiovascular disease (e.g., younger patients with at least one risk factor, older patients with no risk factors, or patients with a 10-year risk of 5% to 10%) may consider taking daily aspirin.