Aspirin Therapy

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), persons with diabetes have a two- to fourfold increase in the risk of dying from the complications of cardiovascular disease. Aspirin has been found to block the mechanisms which increase risk for cardiovascular events. Aspirin is recommended as strategy to prevent cardiovascular events in individuals with and without diabetes, if no medical contraindications exist.

• In 2005, 56.9 percent of adults with diabetes reported taking aspirin 'daily or every other day' as compared to 25.1 percent of adults without diabetes. Persons with diabetes are 2.3 times more likely to be on aspirin therapy than persons without diabetes.

Healthy People 2010 Objective:
(5-16) Increase the proportion of adults with diabetes who take aspirin at least 15 times per month (i.e., at least every other day) to 30%.

American Diabetes Association Recommendation:
There is no ADA recommendation for this indicator.

Sources: CDC Diabetes Indicators and Data Source Internet Tool, 2007; VA BRFSS, 2005
Data Notes: This question is asked of persons ages 35 and over. Percents are weighted towards annual population estimates.

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