Another potential benefit of aspirin for diabetes

[LabRat]

Got this in a email list I'm on. Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) is good for protecting the heart, but apparently another benefit has been found in Type 2 diabetics. I'd venture to say that it'd apply to some type 1's as well, especially as they get older. Of course, no medication should be started without talking to your doctor FIRST!

From http://www.lifescript.com/
Aspirin-like Compounds Are Super-fighters
Friday, May 16, 2008

Most people with diabetes should consider swallowing an aspirin tablet daily. Now, not only can it reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, but aspirin may also help increase insulin secretion and reduce insulin requirements, according to some studies. One recent Spanish study showed that obese people may stave off the development of type 2 diabetes by adopting a similar regimen and taking aspirin-like compounds. The researchers found that administering salicylates, or aspirin-like compounds, resulted in reduced serum glucose concentrations in non-diabetic obese subjects. The findings underscore the importance of further research on the possible therapeutic benefit of aspirin in the fight against type 2 diabetes, says the study’s lead author. A separate study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that aspirin and other salicylates increase the amount of insulin secreted into the bloodstream among obese people. Since obese people usually develop a resistance to insulin, these findings suggest that aspirin therapy can improve glucose tolerance among people at risk for type 2 diabetes. If you’re a type 2 diabetic, consult a doctor before starting aspirin therapy.