All diabetics should consider taking medication to lower their cholesterol particularly those who have low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels above 100 mg/dL. Cholesterol medicines include "statin" drugs such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), or pravastatin (Pravachol), and other cholesterol treatments such as gemfibrozil (Lopid) or fenofibrate (TriCor).

Diabetics with blood pressure greater than 130/80 mmHg should use medication to control blood pressure, if blood pressure can’t be improved by exercise and a low salt diet.

Most people with diabetes benefit from a daily aspirin, which helps to protect against heart attacks.