Role of losartan therapy in the management of diabetic hypertension.

The management of diabetic hypertension requires meticulous selection of agents in the antihypertension armamentorium. There may be several associated factors to be considered while treating a hypertensive diabetic. These include hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, proteinuria, left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure to name a few. Losartan is the first of a new class of agents in the list of antihypertensive drugs. By its selective angiotension II receptor (subtype AT1) blocking action it is postulated to bring about a more complete inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system. Thus, it might produce all the benefits of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy with the freedom from cough so commonly seen with the use of ACE inhibitors. This review attempts to analyze the possible benefits of losartan therapy in diabetes.