A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine found early use of two types of blood pressure drugs may not slow the loss of kidney function caused by type 1 diabetes as previously hoped. The two drugs in the trial, enalapril (Vasotec) and losartan (Hyzaar), are commonly prescribed to slow the kidney damage caused by the disease.
 
After examining over 280 individuals over the course of five years, the study found no difference in the amount of kidney damage among individuals who took the medication and those who did not. Although the two drugs did not help slow kidney damage, they are still effective in treating high blood pressure.

This article originally appeared in the August 2009 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.