Slowing the progression of kidney disease in patients with diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of renal failure requiring replacement therapy. Diabetic nephropathy is typically characterized by persistent microalbuminuria progressing to nephrotic syndrome, a progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate, and hypertension. Diabetic nephropathy prevention strategies may involve early angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor treatment and the control of diabetes to reduce glomerular hypertension and hyperfiltration. Treatment strategies include the use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and cholesterol-lowering agents. Early intervention is key to the prevention of more severe renal outcomes. Although intensive and early control of blood pressure (BP) is key to renoprotection, the class of antihypertensive has an important bearing on outcome. There is evidence for the efficacy of ARBs in preventing the progression from microalbuminuria to overt nephropathy (urine protein excretion >500 mg/day) from the IRbesartan in patients with diabetes and MicroAlbuminuria (IRMA 2) Study using irbesartan and the INcideNt to OVert: Angiotensin II receptor blocker, Telmisartan, Investigation On type 2 diabetic Nephropathy (INNOVATION) Study using telmisartan. For the management of overt nephropathy, the findings of the Reduction of Endpoints in NIDDM with the Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan (RENAAL) Study and the Irbesartan in Diabetic Nephropathy Trial (IDNT) demonstrate that losartan and irbesartan, respectively, reduce the time to doubling of serum creatinine levels and development of end-stage renal disease.