Research has shown that angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help manage diabetic nephropathy-related issues. They can also slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy in some people.

Diabetic nephropathy is a type of kidney disease due to diabetes, and diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes also have kidney disease.

Some older research shows that ACE inhibitors may help correct some vascular abnormalities relating to diabetes. They can also help slow the progression of nephropathy.

This article further discusses how ACE inhibitors affect diabetic nephropathy. It also explains what diabetic nephropathy is and the symptoms relating to the condition.

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Older research shows that ACE inhibitors may be able to help manage vascular dysfunction due to diabetes. They may also help slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

According to 2006 research, ACE inhibitors are one of the only agents with proven effectiveness in preventing diabetic nephropathy due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, the study also states that they are generally ineffective in reducing end stage renal disease.

Newer medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SLGT2) inhibitors have also more recently proven effective in the prevention of diabetic nephropathy.

Current recommendations of clinical guidelines are to use ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to help treat diabetic nephropathy. Research shows that in people with type 1 diabetes, along with hypertension or other signs of kidney disease, ACE inhibitors can help slow the progression of nephropathy. It also shows that ARBs may be better at delaying the progression of those with type 2 diabetes along with hypertension and kidney disease.

ACE inhibitors are often common first-line treatments for diabetic nephropathy to help manage blood pressure in those with diabetes.

ACE inhibitors can help reduce the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the hormones that help control blood pressure by helping narrow blood vessels, which in turn, increases blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors limit this enzyme, causing the blood vessels to widen and relax. This lowers blood pressure and improves the blood flow to the heart.

These medications are the most common medications for treating various cardiovascular and renal conditions, including:

Diabetic nephropathy is a form of kidney disease that occurs due to diabetes. The kidneys filter waste and extra water from the body to create urine. However, they also help control blood pressure.

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome, which is a group of symptoms indicating the kidneys are not working properly.

Diabetic nephropathy is also responsible for around 80% of cases of end stage kidney disease in the United States.

Diabetic nephropathy does not typically cause any symptoms. Doctors generally find it during routine blood and urine tests. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends that those with type 2 diabetes or who have had type 1 diabetes for more than 5 years need to undergo kidney checks every year.

The longer a person has diabetes, the higher their risk of developing diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, other factors can increase a person’s risk. This includes having high blood glucose or high blood pressure.

Other risk factors for diabetic nephropathy include any of the following along with having diabetes:

  • smoking
  • not following a diabetes eating plan
  • eating foods high in salt
  • not remaining active
  • having overweight or obesity
  • having heart disease
  • having a family history of kidney disease

Individuals with diabetes need to discuss their risk of diabetic nephropathy with their healthcare professional.

The following are answers to common questions about ACE inhibitors and diabetic nephropathy.

Do ACE inhibitors protect kidneys in people with diabetes?

According to current clinical guidance, ACE inhibitors and ARBs can help slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy in people with diabetes, hypertension, and signs of kidney disease.

What is the medication of choice for diabetic nephropathy?

Blood glucose and blood pressure control are the main treatments for diabetic nephropathy. This means that ACE inhibitors are one of the first-line therapies for the condition. Other medications include diuretics and nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Newer diabetes medications, SGLT2, may also be effective in preventing diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy is a form of kidney disease that occurs due to diabetes.

ACE inhibitors may be effective in preventing and slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy in many people with diabetes, hypertension, and signs of kidney disease.

ACE inhibitors are one of the first-line treatments for diabetic nephropathy. This is important because people need to manage both blood glucose and blood pressure to treat kidney disease.

Individuals with diabetes need to speak with their healthcare professional about their risk of developing diabetic nephropathy. They also need to attend annual kidney screenings.