Plasma angiotensin II and aldosterone in unselected diabetic patients.

The concentrations of angiotensin II and aldosterone in plasma were measured in 101 consecutive unselected out-patient diabetic patients and in fifty-three normal controls. The concentration of angiotensin II was similar in diabetics without complications and controls, but was significantly lower in patients with hypertension or peripheral neuropathy. In contrast, plasma aldosterone was not reduced in any sub-group.

Plasma angiotensin II concentrations in diabetic ketoacidosis and in hyperosmolar non-ketotic hyperglycemia.

Plasma angiotensin II concentrations were measured in 14 patients in diabetic ketoacidosis and in two patients with hyperosmolar non-ketotic hyperglycemia, before treatment and again when blood glucose control was restored. In the ketoacidosis group plasma angiotensin II before treatment was markedly raised in all patients with otherwise uncomplicated diabetes, but was within the normal range in some patients with long-term complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. Mean angiotensin II before treatment was significantly higher in otherwise uncomplicated patients than in those with long-term complications.

Plasma angiotensin II and the control of diabetes mellitus.

Plasma angiotensin II was measured in twenty patients with poorly controlled non-ketotic diabetes mellitus, and again when blood glucose control improved. Plasma angiotensin II fell significantly improved control, both when patients were supine and fasting overnight, and when studied after 4 h ambulation. The change occurred with improved short-term and longer-term control.