Re: kidneys & ACE inhibitors

[Guest guest]

Here's a good post about protein in the kidneys, ACE inhibitors, etc., from

Jim Hartmann, one of the really " good guys " from misc.health.diabetes. He's

in the LC-DIABETES group now, continuing to make valuable contributions.

Ratshirt, I am holding off on responding to your questions about your most

recent blood work until I can get dug out of the e-mail, but I was

particularly thinking about you when I saw Jim's post.

Susie

********************

Zestril is one of the " 'pril " ACE inhibitors, in this case lisinopril. These

inhibit the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) required to convert

Angiotensin-I

to Angiotensin-II. It is approved as a blood pressure lowering med. They are

commonly prescribed " off label " for diabetics to help protect their kidneys.

One of the common urinalysis tools is the " dipstick " method. A test strip

with

various reagents is dipped into the urine. One of the measurements is

protein,

measured as None/Trace/+1/+2/+3. This CAN be a misleading test as there

commonly

are other proteins in the urine due to causes other than leaky glomeruli. .

A

positive result greater than +1 should be followed up with a

microalbuminaria

test (filling the jug for 24 hr.).

The major complaint about the 'prils is a nagging cough due to the

suppression of

bradykinin in the lungs. If it becomes unbearable, a change to an

Angiotensin-II

receptor blocker (Cozaar or Diovan) will do the same thing.

Hope that wasn't too much info.

Jim