Effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To review recent studies on the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on diabetic nephropathy.


METHODS
Literature review.


RESULTS
Strict glucose control, a low protein intake and aggressive blood pressure control are the main requirements for the preservation of renal function in patients with diabetes mellitus. Recent work has shown that ACE inhibitors have renoprotective actions in diabetes that go beyond their capacity to lower blood pressure. Through these actions they slow the progression of renal failure and prevent the development of macroalbuminuria that characterizes the onset of diabetic nephropathy.


CONCLUSIONS
ACE inhibitors may be considered the drugs of choice in diabetic patients with either hypertension or some degree of renal dysfunction.
Ruilope
L M
LM
Unidad de Hipertensión, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents