Diabetics missing out on life saving medication

One in four patients with diabetes are not receiving the appropriate cardiovascular medications, research launched at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester has shown.

Diabetes and its complications are responsible for an estimated one in 17 deaths in the UK. Cardiovascular complications such as heart disease and stroke are major causes of mortality and morbidity among diabetics.

Diabetes (types 1 and 2) patients aged over 40 should be taking medications that prevent the formation of blood clots (antiplatelets, such as aspirin), or that reduce blood cholesterol levels (statins), in order to reduce their risk of cardiovascular complications. The National Service Framework for Diabetes recommends early and intensive preventative treatment in all patients with diabetes to prevent cardiovascular complications developing.

Pharmacy researchers who undertook an audit to assess the use of antiplatelets and statins in patients with diabetes at a general medical practice in North East England found a quarter of these patients who should be, were not on the treatment.

Head researcher Wasim Baqir said: "This primary care project shows that despite their high cardiovascular risk, one in four patients with diabetes are not being treated with prophylactic aspirin and/or statins - medicines that could prevent their death from complications of their disease."

"This study has already led to a change in the medication regimes for 22 patients -highlighting the importance of the role that pharmacists play in medicines management. They are the experts in medicines and make a significant contribution to patient safety."