Hi all, I went to see my endo today and she recommended going on an ace inhibitor to prevent any future kidney complications. I have been working hard to get my sugar under control since the last A1C I had in February was at an 8. She ran bloodwork and I gave a urine sample and everything else (besides my A1C) came back good. In the past, I have had protein in my urine and saw a kidney specialist, but after running further tests, everything was okay (Whew!) I have had diabetes for 11 years now, so I’m trying my very best to keep things under control. My question to you guys is, is anyone else out there taking ace inhibitors to prevent any sort of problem? Is this normal thing? And if so why haven’t I been taking them?.. Would appreciate any feedback, thanks! =)
I did not always take an ace inhibitor, but it was suggested to me about 6 years ago to start on one to help prevent kidney damage.
yep. I’ve been on one for about 8 years now. My story reads much like yours…
ACE inhibitors are excellent drugs. They reduce the pressure in the Bowmans capsule and help prevent kidney damage. A very small segment of people, usually African Americans, can develop angiedema and cannot take them. They are an excemmt idea for diabetics. Ive been taking obe for years even though Ive had no kidney problems or any blood pressure problems. Check with your nephrologist if you want a second opinion.
thank you !
Yes, reluctantly I agreed to take a low dose ace inhibitor to protect my kidneys.
I started on an ACE inhibitor, but developed the cough, so i was put on Cozaar which has the same result, but works differently in the body. If you tend to have low blood pressure, your doctor should prescribe a lower dose. I’ve been on these types of meds since 2001. It is my doctor’s office’s protocol for all diabetics to be on some kind of kidney protection. I was beginning to show small signs of proten in my urine when i was first put on.
If you are planning on getting pregnant or have the potential of becoming pregnant, do not take ACE inhibitors. They have been linked to birth defects.
As far as treating kidney blood pressure, I have been given that lecture by my docs a time or two, so they convinced me to take Lisinopril. I have been taking it for several years even though I have never had high blood pressure; however, I decided yesterday to quit taking it. I don’t like the idea of my liver processing another med that I may not really need. Then again, if you have had some kidney damage in the past, it may not be a bad idea for you to take it. It’s a personal choice I guess.
That being said, many GPs and endos rx an ACE inhibitor as standard procedure. I am rather surprised you have not come across this in your 11 years with diabetes. Anyway, whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best.
Hi Danielle: I have Type 1 diabetes (16 years now), and I have been taking an ACE inhibitor for about 10 years, on a proactive basis. I have no complications. For those with T1, ACE inhibitors have been shown to have a protective effect on kidney function, and so I have chosen to “go along with the program.” I was a bit concerned at first as I have at times had low blood pressure, but I have not had any problems or side effects on Lisinopril.
Note that this study in Nature shows that ACE inhibitors are beneficial for those with Type 1 diabetes, which is what Danielle has.
40 years type I, and been on these for probably 7 years for high blood pressure and to take care of kidneys.
Yes, there is that annoying little cough…
I’m frankly way more concerned about being told I need a statin as a preventative, which is a drug that scares me way more than these do.
Hi Danielle A.,
I’d tell you to not worry about the ACE inhibitors. I’ve been a T1 for almost 14 years and have been using an ACE inhibitor for about the last 5-6 years. I was spilling small amounts of protein, and the ACE took care of it. I’ve always had good blood pressure and was afraid the ACE would drive my blood pressure way down. I bought a BP monitor to keep check of myself, but nothing ever happened.
I started on lisonopril, which is nice because it is a dirt-cheap generic. Unfortunately, I developed “the cough” and was switched over to another drug, the name of which escapes me. It’s about 5X more expensive (after insurance), but it’s doing the job.
So don’t worry about.
Cheers, Mike
If your endo is recommending BP medication then this is a good advice to follow. But please try to invest more time on your glucose control. An A1c of 8 is really hard on your kidneys with and without the ACE inhibitor.
thank you everyone for all of the responses! I spoke to my doctor today. My A1C went down to 7.4 … still needs work, and my blood tests came back good although there was a trace amount of protein in my urine. She said she is going to start me on enalapril, which I guess is a good option considering the trace amount of protein… are there any other side effects that I should know about? obviously I’m going to speak to my doctor or pharmacist about them as well, but I mean from personal experience. Being that I’m 22, I do occasionally drink alcohol on the weekends, any side effects with that? And my BP is usually on the lower side to begin with, should I have any concerns there? Thanks again everyone for the feedback, it is much appreciated!
Alcohol has never been a problem for me when taking these meds for me. The one issue I had was that it really affected my sensitivity to insulin for about 2 weeks or so. I had a whole bunch of lows (not the way you want to improve your A1c 
). Didn’t think too much about it until I started reading the info given to me by the pharmacy and that was one of the side effects. I do not think this is too common but there is that potential. I also had the dry cough for a week or so but that went away as well. Other than that no problems. Although if you tend to run low blood pressure I would be extra careful when you go from a sitting to standing position. That is when you will most likely have a problem.
I take 2.5mg (lowest dose available) of ramipril. My microalbumin went from 90 to 2 in like 6 months. My doctor said to stay on it since it will prevent damage so that’s what I am going to do
I have heard of endos prescribing Ace inhibitors prophylactically. I would research it, and then make a decision. Maybe get a second opinion. I would take the meds if they would help keep me healthy.
I was given Lisinopril as a standard thing for diabetics, even though there was no evidence I had a personal need for it. I have autonomic neuropathy and it really knocked me for a loop, even when I cut the pills into quarters. Ended up in emergency with very low blood pressure. Some doctors prescribe pills like they were vitamins.
I was put on Lisinopril last year. Within 2-3days my hands and feet swelled up, so no more Lisinopril.
I have taken them for several years. It is a common practice. Most endo’s in my area suggest it for their patients, regardless of age (well maybe the very young not so much) but most.
Rick Phillips