Antihypertensive treatment and multifactorial approach for renal protection in diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions throughout the world, representing the most common cause of ESRD. Early identification of renal impairment associated with diabetes and initiation of renoprotective therapy are imperative. High BP, dyslipidemia, long duration of diabetes, and poor glycemic control are important risk factors; their modification, renal function monitoring, and combined therapies are the current integrated approaches to treat patients with diabetic kidney disease. Strong evidence suggests that achieving target BP goals via inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system confers significant renal protection for diabetic patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers lower BP and reduce both the progression of renal damage and adverse cardiovascular events; some important renoprotective actions seem to be independent of the antihypertensive effect. Stringent quality of glycemic control is another key point to prevent onset of nephropathy or slow its progression. Evidence from basic research and clinical trials indicates that hypolipidemic drugs, mainly statins, contribute to modulate the progression of renal damage in diabetes; their use should be considered in any patient with diabetes. Smoking cessation may slow nephropathy progression; given the additional health benefits of stopping smoking, this advice is an important part of the strategy of diabetic nephropathy treatment and prevention. In conclusion, a target-driven, long-term, intensified intervention aimed at multiple risk factors should be recommended in patients with diabetes to preserve their kidney function.