Renin-aldosterone responsiveness in uncomplicated juvenile-type diabetes mellitus

The changes in plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PA) in response to dietary sodium restriction and upright posture were evaluated in 7 patients with juvenile-type, insulin-dependent, uncomplicated diabetes mellitus and in 5 healthy volunteers. All patients had normal blood pressure, 24-hour urine protein excretion and endogenous creatinine clearance. Renal sodium conservation and concentrating ability were grossly normal and 5 patients so tested, had normal renal acidification. PRA and PA were normal in every subject suggesting that abnormalities of the renin-aldosterone axis are late complications of diabetes mellitus usually associated with hypertension and nephropathy or neuropathy.