Many diabetics take wrong medicines

One in four diabetics are taking the wrong medication, researchers have said.

Patients over 40 with type one and two diabetes should be taking medication to prevent the formation of blood clots or reduce cholesterol levels in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Cardiovascular complications such as heart disease are a major cause of mortality among diabetics.

There are currently more than 2.3 million people with diabetes in the UK. It is estimated that one in 17 deaths in the UK are caused by diabetes and its complications.

Pharmacy researchers at the University of Sunderland carried out a survey at a general medical practice in north-east England to assess how many diabetic patients were taking cardiovascular medication.

They discovered one in four patients were not receiving the correct cardiovascular treatment.

Researcher Wasim Baqir said: "The 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."

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "People with diabetes are particularly at risk of cardiovascular disease.

"It is therefore vital that they receive the support and treatment to enable them to manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke.

"Good diabetes care, however, is not just about medication. People with diabetes should be supported to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle in order to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease."

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