Diabetic nephropathy in African Americans

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the number one cause of end-stage renal diseas e in United States and is highly prevalent in African Americans. We have fo und that among African Americans in Mississippi diabetic nephropathy appear s to affect females more than males, which may be related to increased rate s of obesity and diabetes in African American women. Glycemic control and c ontrol of blood pressure is essential to prolong renal survival and to prot ect against cardiovascular events. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce cardiovascular mortality in diabetics and are tolerated in advanced renal disease. The impact of glycemic control, appropriate antihypertensiv es, and the optimal level of blood pressure control in African Americans wi th advanced DN require further study. This article reviews the impact, clin ical characteristics, risk factors, and treatment of diabetic nephropathy i n African Americans. Am J Hypertens 2001; 14:132S-138S (C) 2001 American Jo urnal of Hypertension, Ltd.