Anti-platelets in diabetes management

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-platelet use, and the extent to which contraindications to anti-platelet therapy prevent its use, in 726 diabetic patients attending a private clinic. Among those who reported a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), 87.1% were on anti-platelet therapy. Of those without prior CVD but with at least one CVD risk factor, 59.8% were not on anti-platelet therapy, but only 7.1% of these had a contraindication to anti-platelet therapy. This study showed that high usage of anti-platelet therapy in diabetic patients with prior CVD is achievable, and that contraindications did not explain low use in those without prior CVD.