Targeting albumin excretion rate in the treatment of the hypertensive diabetic patient with renal disease.

Combination of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) with an angiotensin II receptor blocker is advocated as a treatment option in diabetic patients with nephropathy and residual albuminuria while on antihypertensive therapy. Abrogation of albuminuria is a key treatment goal to prevent disease progression. The assumption is that albuminuria reduction is the result of more complete blockade of the renin angiotensin system; thus, the ACEI-angiotensin II receptor blocker combination would have a greater albuminuria-lowering effect than the combination of an ACEI with a calcium channel blocker such as amlodipine, which causes similar reductions in BP but does not affect the renin angiotensin system.