[Primary cardiorenal prevention in patients with type-2 diabetes. The Roadmap study]

The incidence of type-2 diabetes is increasing throughout the world. By 2010, 350 million people will have this disease. Microalbuminuria is present in more than one third, for some at diabetes diagnosis. Rather than a complication, it is an indication of a vascular disorder that is part of the metabolic syndrome. 25% will develop end-stage kidney failure. Several studies have identified microalbuminuria or proteinuria as an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Others have shown that antihypertensive treatments acting on the renin-angiotensin system (ACE inhibitors, ARBs agents) can reduce the progression of nephropathy in people with hypertension, type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria. The "nephroprotective" effects of these drug classes, beyond their role in blood-pressure reduction, are suggested by modifications in renal structure and protein expression. But no study has so far examined their value in primary prevention in persons with type 2 diabetes without--but at risk of developing--microalbuminuria. The Roadmap study (Randomized Olmesartan And Diabetes Microalbuminuria Prevention Study) of primary prevention has as its objective measurement of the impact of ARBs (olmesartan 40 mg/d) treatment on renal outcome in 4400 patients with type 2 diabetes without microalbuminuria. Follow-up of this placebo-controlled study will last for 5 years. Conducted in 200 European centers, its results are expected for 2012.