Epidemiologic studies show a worldwide diabetic epidemic. Diabetes mellitus is associated with a reduced life span due to macrovascular and Microvascular complications. Thus, diabetic nephropathy, which is the major cause of morbidity and mortality for patients with either type 1 diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes mellitus, is a public health care problem. Blood pressure control is a proven intervention to prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy and to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes mellitus. Establishment of optimal blood pressure targets, advantages of one class of drugs over another as well as time of initiation of antihypertensive therapy are those important questions that appear before every doctor. This review addresses these issues.
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