Unfortunately, primary prevention trials that start in childhood would be lengthy, expensive, and logistically nearly impossible, "said Ulrich and Potter."

"Is aspirin really that good or is there some other explanation for the findings that differ so much from those of the WHS and other primary prevention trials?" he asked.

Although several large trials of aspirin for primary prevention have included diabetic subgroups, no trial has been specifically dedicated to looking at the effects of aspirin in this patient group.