Which medication is the first-line treatment for hypertension in a patient with diabetes?

The first-line treatment for hypertension in a patient with diabetes is an ACE inhibitor. This class of medication is favored due to its renal protective effects, which are particularly beneficial for diabetic patients who are at increased risk for kidney disease. ACE inhibitors help prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy by reducing glomerular pressure and promoting vasodilation, which thus preserves kidney function. Additionally, they can assist in improving cardiovascular outcomes, as patients with diabetes are prone to both hypertension and cardiovascular complications.

Thiazide diuretics, while effective for the general population with hypertension, do not offer the same level of renal protection as ACE inhibitors. Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers are not first-line treatments specifically for diabetic patients concerning hypertension; they may be used in certain cases but do not address the underlying risk for kidney damage as effectively as ACE inhibitors do. Thus, the benefits of ACE inhibitors make them the preferred choice in managing hypertension in patients with diabetes.