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.