Aspirin is known to be a medication that can help reduce the risk of heart attack. But a new study has shown that people with diabetes should not take aspirin to prevent heart disease and stroke unless they already have a history of these complaints.

One in two persons with either type 1 or 2 diabetes diagnosed with cardiovascular disease is likely to survive another 40 years, whereas this figure is nine in ten for non-diabetic cardiovascular disease patients.

Taking an aspirin and anti-oxidant supplements do not prevent heart attacks among diabetic people and asymptomatic arterial disease, even those at high risk. It should only be taken by diabetic persons with cardiovascular disease or experienced stroke or limb arterial disease.