OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of ramipril on indicators of glucose metabolism, incl. insulin resistance, on renal function with microalbuminuria, changes of some echocardiographic signs of hypertrophy and compliance of the left ventricle in patients with hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors examined 32 patients with hypertension grade I and II and with diabetes type II, who had ramipril, 2.5-10 mg/day, for a period of six months. The examination before and after long-term treatment comprised basic biochemical sampling incl. concentrations of immunoreactive insulin, C-peptide and glycated haemoglobin and also complete functional examination of the kidneys, incl. microalbuminuria. Echocardiographic examination was focused on assessment of signs of hypertrophy and compliance of the left ventricle. Treatment of diabetes was not changed in the course of 6 months.

RESULTS: In addition to the anticipated drop of blood pressure a declining trend of insulin resistance was recorded, there was a significant decline of microalbuminuria and a rise of natriuresis, the left ventricle mass declined and its compliance improved.

CONCLUSION: Ramipril one of the inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme is an effective and useful medication for type II diabetics suffering from hypertension.

Keywords: Adult; Aged; Albuminuria; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors /pharmacology/; Antihypertensive Agents /pharmacology/; Blood Glucose /drug effects/; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 /blood/; Female; Heart /drug effects/; Humans; Hypertension /complications/; Insulin Resistance; Kidney /drug effects/; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuresis /drug effects/; Ramipril /pharmacology/; Ventricular Function, Left /drug effects/