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Plasma aldosterone concentration in the patient with diabetes mellitus
Norman K Hollenberg1, Radomir Stevanovic, Anupam Agarwal
1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. djpagecapo@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Background:
Vascular injury at the microvascular and macrovascular levels plays a crucial role in the patient with diabetes mellitus. Evidence for renin-system activation in many patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus has raised the possibility that aldosterone-widely recognized as a contributor to vascular injury-could play a role.
Methods:
We examined the state of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in 58 subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 64 age-matched normal control subjects. All studies were performed on a fixed sodium (200 mmol/day) and potassium (100 mmol/day intake), and samples were drawn at 8:00 a.m. to avoid the influence of circadian rhythms.
Results:
The patient with diabetes mellitus showed an increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) (P < 0.01), plasma angiotensin II concentration (P < 0.01), and plasma aldosterone concentration (P < 0.001). A striking influence of the angiotensin receptor blocker, candesartan, on plasma aldosterone concentration in the patients with diabetes mellitus suggested strongly that renin-system activation is responsible for the elevated plasma aldosterone concentration.
Conclusion:
Pharmacologic interruption of the effects of aldosterone at the tissue level could be especially useful in patients with diabetes mellitus. The dose of agents that block the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) should be adjusted to maximize the fall in plasma aldosterone concentration.
Insights
Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus exhibit elevated aldosterone levels due to renin-system activation. Blocking the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may help manage vascular injury in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Vascular injury is a significant complication in diabetes mellitus.
- Renin-system activation is observed in type 1 diabetes, suggesting a role for aldosterone in vascular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients.
- To determine if RAAS activation contributes to vascular complications in diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Studied 58 type 1 diabetes patients and 64 controls.
- Maintained fixed sodium and potassium intake.
- Collected samples at a consistent time to minimize circadian rhythm effects.
Main Results:
- Type 1 diabetes patients showed increased plasma renin activity, angiotensin II, and aldosterone concentrations.
- Angiotensin receptor blocker (candesartan) significantly impacted aldosterone levels, confirming renin-system involvement.
- Elevated aldosterone in diabetes is linked to renin-system activation.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological interruption of aldosterone's effects may benefit diabetes patients.
- Adjusting renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blocking agents is crucial for maximizing aldosterone reduction.
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