2023-09-05 08:32:37
Study Suggests Daily Low-Dose Aspirin May Decrease Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Seniors
Australian scientists have found that taking a low dose of aspirin every day may significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals over the age of 65. However, they also warn of potential unpleasant side effects associated with aspirin use.
The study involved over 16,000 healthy participants aged 65 and above, who were randomly assigned to take either a daily 100-milligram dose of aspirin or a placebo for a period of five years. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving the aspirin.
At the end of the study, it was revealed that the group taking aspirin had a 15 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to the placebo group. Professor Sophia Zoungas of Monash University in Melbourne suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect of aspirin might be responsible for this reduction in risk. However, Zoungas emphasizes the need for further research to understand both the positive and negative effects of aspirin use in seniors.
One of the potential side effects of aspirin use is an increased risk of major internal bleeding in the digestive system. The researchers found that older individuals taking aspirin were 38 percent more likely to experience such bleeding. However, no link was found between aspirin use and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
While the study provides interesting findings, Professor Zoungas advises against changing current medical advice regarding the use of aspirin in seniors. The 2018 ASPREE trial had already concluded that daily aspirin use does not prolong life or improve overall health outcomes in older adults. Zoungas emphasizes that aspirin should only be taken regularly by older individuals when there is a specific medical reason to do so.
The researchers stress the importance of further research to explore the preventive effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin in the aging population. Understanding the mechanisms behind the positive effects on fasting plasma glucose levels and identifying potential side effects are crucial in order to make informed recommendations for senior healthcare.
In conclusion, while a low daily dose of aspirin may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals over 65, caution must be exercised due to potential side effects. Further research is necessary before any changes can be made to current medical advice regarding the use of aspirin in seniors.]
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