ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme, and an inhibitor of course blocks that conversion. Because kidney failure has become such a common and serious complication of diabetes, anything that slows its development means a great deal for the care of all diabetics. I have almost all my diabetic patients on an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors probably also slow the development of kidney failure in people with other diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, and are increasingly being used in such cases. They are also very useful in treating congestive heart failure, and have become part of the standard of care in that condition as well.
ACE inhibitors are quite safe.
The most troubling side effect for some is a chronic cough. If this is so troubling as to cause the person to stop taking the ACE inhibitor, a new category of drug called angiotensin II blockers, which act in a similar way, but do not cause cough as a side effect may be tried. This is one doctor who makes housecalls. Shop O2 . All Rights Reserved.