Hypertension in diabetic patients. An overview of interventional studies to preserve renal function.

Abstract

The combination of diabetes mellitus and hypertension increases the chances for progressive renal disorders and ultimately renal failure. Both animal and human studies have investigated this progression, which does not take place in all diabetic patients, but which does inevitably occur in diabetic patients with hypertension or microalbuminuria. In these patients the control of arterial pressure is critical to the preservation of renal function. Certain antihypertensive agents, notably angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, verapamil, and diltiazem, seem to combine the required renal and vascular effects most beneficially. This article reviews the research completed so far into these effects. However, long-term studies are needed to consolidate these findings.