These results confirm a reduced vasodilatory capacity in diabetes mellitus, with a more marked alteration in microalbuminuric diabetic subjects. This reliable, noninvasive evaluation of arterial function is particularly useful for early diagnosis of vascular involvement.

ACE inhibition improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the femoral artery of normotensive microalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients. Captopril also ameliorates endothelium-independent vasodilation, possibly through its sulfhydryl donor properties. These results may be of pathophysiological relevance to prevent cardiovascular complications in these patients.

No abstract