diabetes - particularly type ii diabetes - is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. diabetes also contributes substantially to cardiovascular risk, yet some ingredients appropriate for a cardiovascular polypill may not be advisable for patients with diabetes (such as beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics). a polypill for diabetes could include a statin (to reduce ldl cholesterol and for their anti-inflammatory properties), an ace inhibitor (for blood pressure control and to protect the kidneys), aspirin (for antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties), and metformin (a medication for diabetes that is also associated with weight loss).