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by pagandeva2000 allnurses Guide

I have to orient a nurse who came from the emergency room to our clinic tomorrow. I am going over diabetic teaching, and I am trying to find the answer to why diabetics are prescribed aspirin. My literature is not telling me (or I am too sleepy to see it at this time). I think I remember them saying that it thins the blood for passage through the arteries, and this would make sense, to help decrease the blood pressure, but I am not clear. I wish to review the reasons why patients are getting some of the medications prescribed by the diabetic protocol.

Any assistance would be great!

[TeresaB930]

Re: Why Is Aspirin Prescribed to Diabetics?

Thinning the blood for passage through the arteries was what I was thinking and that diabetics are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, so whatever prophylactics we can give would be helpful.


Teresa

[pagandeva2000]

Re: Why Is Aspirin Prescribed to Diabetics?

Originally Posted by TeresaB930

Thinning the blood for passage through the arteries was what I was thinking and that diabetics are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, so whatever prophylactics we can give would be helpful.


Teresa

I appreciate your response. I wanted something short and simple to explain tomorrow. Thanks!

[Faeriewand]

Re: Why Is Aspirin Prescribed to Diabetics?

what came to my mind was how diabetics don't have good circulation in the feet so thinning the blood would help with that but perhaps I'm wrong? Correct me please because I'm still learning. Thanks

Just googled it and Teresa is right.

[nyapa]

Re: Why Is Aspirin Prescribed to Diabetics?

I haven't seen aspirin automatically prescribed to diabetics, is it routinely done in the US? I can see the reasoning due to the risk of heart disease, but how advanced would one have to be before it was considered...

[pagandeva2000]

Re: Why Is Aspirin Prescribed to Diabetics?

Originally Posted by nyapa

I haven't seen aspirin automatically prescribed to diabetics, is it routinely done in the US? I can see the reasoning due to the risk of heart disease, but how advanced would one have to be before it was considered...

I would wonder about that as well, because not all of them are prescribed aspirin when diagnosed. I wonder what or when in the process that decision is actually made. I do see that many are prescribed aspirin, an ace inhibitor or maybe losartan, I also see statin drugs (but of course, the LDL is high).

[sharrie]

Re: Why Is Aspirin Prescribed to Diabetics?

We follow something called NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidlines when it comes to diabetes management and reduction of risk factors.

NICE

If you have a look at page 51 there is a discussion about the appropriate use of aspirin in diabetes

[nyapa]

Re: Why Is Aspirin Prescribed to Diabetics?

Originally Posted by sharrie

We follow something called NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidlines when it comes to diabetes management and reduction of risk factors.

NICE

If you have a look at page 51 there is a discussion about the appropriate use of aspirin in diabetes

Thanks Sharrie. I have saved that document. Very succinct and informative...

Jay

[Virgo_RN]

Re: Why Is Aspirin Prescribed to Diabetics?

ASA is a platelet aggregation inhibitor. Since diabetics have a higher risk of endothelial damage related to their high CBGs, then a platelet aggregation inhibitor would reduce the risk of thrombus formation.

[carebearRN08]

Re: Why Is Aspirin Prescribed to Diabetics?

Originally Posted by NancyNurse08

ASA is a platelet aggregation inhibitor. Since diabetics have a higher risk of endothelial damage related to their high CBGs, then a platelet aggregation inhibitor would reduce the risk of thrombus formation.

Nancy is right on it; I'm going to assume that doctors assess the patient's cardiac risk before prescribing ASA, but many will meet the criteria for it. As you already know, diabetics usually have other comorbidities and are often on a laundry list of meds for cardiovascular issues.