Effects of ACE inhibitors on renal function in incipient and overt diabetic nephropathy

A total of 3463 hypertensive patients with type II diabetes were treated with lisinopril for 3 months. Lisinopril was well tolerated, adverse effects were observed in only 2.2% of the patients. Blood pressure values were effectively reduced by lisinopril, two-thirds of the patients could be treated with lisinopril monotherapy. Parameters of metabolic control (HbA1c, lipids) showed an overall improvement under lisinopril therapy. Serum levels of creatinine did not change in patients who were with normal pretreatment values, but were normalized in approximately 50% of patients with elevated pretreatment values. It can be concluded that under routine medical care ACE inhibitor lisinopril is a well tolerated, effective drug for treatment of hypertensive type II diabetic patients.