In a nutshell
This study examined the effectiveness and safety of salsalate as a treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Some background
Patients with T2DM cannot efficiently use the glucose they take in from food, which leads to a build-up of glucose in the bloodstream. Since this can lead to severe damage to internal organs, one of the main treatment goals for T2DM is lowering the level of glucose in the blood. Salicylate, or salsalate, which in one form is known as aspirin, has been found to lower blood glucose in T2DM. The current study examined the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of salsalate as a treatment for T2DM.
Methods & findings
This study included 286 patients already being treated for T2DM, 88% of which regularly used metformin (glucophage) as their main treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received 3.5g of salsalate daily, while the other group received a placebo (a substance that has no effect on the body, and is used as a control). Patients were checked every 4-12 weeks over the course of 48 weeks to determine the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. HbA1c levels (a measure of average blood sugar levels over the last three months) were measured at each visit. At the end of the study, HbA1c levels were found to be 0.37% lower in the patients taking salsalate than in the patients taking a placebo. Within the salsalate group, patients with higher HbA1c levels before treatment had a greater decrease in their levels by the end of the study.
More hypoglycemic events (dangerously low blood sugar levels) were associated with salsalate treatment compared to a placebo, however this is consistent with the effectiveness of salsalate in reducing blood sugar levels.
The bottom line
In summary, salsalate is an effective treatment for lowering blood sugar levels in patients with T2DM.
The fine print
This study only followed patients for a short duration of time. In addition, salsalate was taken in addition to the patients' usual medicines used to manage T2DM. This was not adjusted for in the statistical analysis.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding the potential benefits of salsalate in the management of diabetes.
Published By :
Annals of internal medicine
Date :
Jul 02, 2013
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I just discovered your findings. I have T2DM and take metformin, glipizide and Victoza. For 6 months I’ve suffered from chronic low back pain and was using Advil for pain. This week I switched to Bayer aspirin 1000 mg 2x/day. After feeling odd I checked my blood sugar abd was quite surprised to find it was 55. I attribute it to the Bayer aspirin.