Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Focused Review

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy, also referred to as diabetic kidney disease, is a multifaceted complication of one of the largest epidemics in the United States. Diabetic patients currently represent approximately 8% of the US population. Aggressive screening and control of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia as well as dietary protein restriction are vital to the prevention and management of diabetic kidney disease. Because there are no direct pharmacologic options for diabetic kidney disease, treatment is focused on controlling comorbidities that exacerbate the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease. This article will provide an overview of structural renal alterations during the progression of diabetic kidney disease as well as a concise review of current diabetic kidney disease management guidelines with a focus on agents that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. At this point in time, the mainstays of therapy are angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. More research is currently needed to determine if renin inhibitors will have an active role in the management of diabetic kidney disease.