The Role in Renal Protection and Diabetic Care
One of the most significant benefits of ACE inhibitors is their ability to protect the kidneys, a process known as renoprotection. In patients with diabetes, high blood sugar can damage the small filters in the kidney over time. This damage often shows up as protein leaking into the urine. ACE inhibitors are specifically chosen for these patients because they change the pressure dynamics within the kidney's filtration units.
By relaxing the blood vessels that lead out of the kidney filters, the medication lowers the internal pressure. This "pressure relief" slows down the physical wear and tear on the kidneys, significantly delaying the progression toward kidney failure. For this reason, these medications are often prescribed to diabetic patients even if their blood pressure is currently within a normal range, acting as a preventative shield for long-term organ health.