Ethnic Dis
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Diabetic nephropathy is the number one cause of endstage renal disease in the United States. Blockade of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) is important in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. With the reports of recently completed trials examining the role of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in type 2 diabetic nephropathy, the question has arisen as to which agents are best to block the RAS in type 2 diabetes. ⋯ In type 2 diabetics, ACE inhibitors may have a role in preventing development of nephropathy, and, importantly, ACE inhibitors have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease in diabetics with and without nephropathy. In addition, ACE inhibitors have beneficial effects on other diabetic complications such as retinopathy and neuropathy. Until better comparative data between ACE inhibitors and ARBs on nephropathy and cardiovascular outcomes is available, ACE inhibitors should remain an important consideration for treatment of diabetic nephropathy.