Antiplatelet strategy in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A perspective from the guideline appraisal

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: To appraise guidelines on the antiplatelet strategy of prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and highlight the consensuses and controversies to aid clinician decision‐making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was carried out for guidelines regarding CVD prevention or focusing on type 2 diabetes patients. Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument was utilized to appraise the quality of included guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 15 guidelines with discrepant Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II scores (66%; interquartile range 51–71%), 10 were defined as “strongly recommended” guidelines. For secondary prevention, >60% of guidelines advocated that the dual antiplatelet therapy was used within 12 months when the type 2 diabetes patients experienced acute coronary syndrome and/or post‐percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting, with subsequent long‐term aspirin use. For primary prevention, 80% of guidelines supported that aspirin should not be routinely used by patients with type 2 diabetes. No consensus on whether to prolong dual antiplatelet therapy in secondary prevention, and whether to use aspirin in type 2 diabetes patients with high CVD risk exists in current guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should use the recommendations from “strongly recommended” guidelines to make informed decisions and know the consensuses of current guidelines. Dual antiplatelet therapy should be used within 12 months when type 2 diabetes patients experience acute coronary syndrome and/or percutaneous coronary intervention/coronary artery bypass grafting, with subsequent long‐term aspirin use. In primary prevention, aspirin should not be routinely used by individuals with type 2 diabetes, but might be considered for those with high CVD risk.