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Diabetes - Adult Type II (Expert Forum)
Protecting the kidneys
Answered by
Anita Ramsetty, MD - GeneralEndocrinology, Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2, Thyroid Disorders, AdrenalInsufficiency, CF-Related Diabetes
Endocrine Care Group
Questions in the Adult Type II Diabetes forum are answered by Dr. Anita Ramsetty. Topics covered include Type 2 Diabetes, blood glucose monitoring, diabetes and heart disease, diabetes and pneumonia, diabetes and pregnancy,
diabetes and vision problems, diabetes and wound healing, diabetic complications, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and insulin.
Protecting the kidneys
by gabby1944, Oct 20, 2007 06:21PM
My doctor wants me to take Cozaar to " protect my kidneys ". My labs are normal, my blood pressure runs 122/78 avg. and my A1c is 6.3. I do not want to take blood pressure medicine unless there is a clear need for it because of the many side effects. I am 63, obese and have hep c. How do you feel about giving a patient strong medication before it is clearly needed.
Doctor's Answer
by Anita Ramsetty, MD, Oct 22, 2007 09:13PM
, Oct 22, 2007 09:13PM
Hi,
There is very good evidence that medications like Cozaar protect the kidneys from damage in people with diabetes. Your blood pressure is quite good, as is your glucose control. You did not mention what your last urine test showed in regard to protein leakage(urine microalbumin)--this would be a clear indication for the cozaar even if your blood pressure if good. A low dose of cozaar is not likely to do any harm(you will still need to be monitored during the first few months after starting to be sure) and may give some benefit, so I encourage you to discuss it further with your doctor. If your urine has no protein leakage there is no URGENT need at this time and the decision will be up to you. Take care.
There is very good evidence that medications like Cozaar protect the kidneys from damage in people with diabetes. Your blood pressure is quite good, as is your glucose control. You did not mention what your last urine test showed in regard to protein leakage(urine microalbumin)--this would be a clear indication for the cozaar even if your blood pressure if good. A low dose of cozaar is not likely to do any harm(you will still need to be monitored during the first few months after starting to be sure) and may give some benefit, so I encourage you to discuss it further with your doctor. If your urine has no protein leakage there is no URGENT need at this time and the decision will be up to you. Take care.
