A 1-Year Follow-Up Study on the Effect of Atenolol on Serum β 2 -Microglobulin Level in Hypertensive Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Hypertensive diabetic patients are particularly prone to renal function impairment. A total of nine out-patients with diabetes and hypertension were, therefore, entered into this single-blind uncontrolled study on the effects of 50 mg/day atenolol on reducing blood pressure and preserving normal kidney functioning. Treatment and evaluations were continued for 12 months. Serum β₂-microglobulin concentration was used as the index for measuring renal impairment. Atenolol significantly reduced heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and serum β₂-microglobulin concentrations compared with baseline. Plasma glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels were unchanged, and blood urea nitrogen levels were increased slightly (non-significant). Serum creatinine showed a tendency (non-significant) to reflect the changes in β₂-microglobulin concentration. Ways in which atenolol may act to improve kidney functioning are suggested. It is concluded that atenolol is a favourable choice for the treatment of hypertension in diabetic patients with normally functioning kidneys since, even in long-term use, normal renal functioning is preserved.