Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications that lower high blood pressure. They often are prescribed to patients with diabetes, especially those who have or are at risk for kidney disease.

Angiotensin II is a substance in the body that signals blood vessels to narrow. ARBs lessen these signals and cause blood vessels to widen, reducing blood pressure.

Sometimes ARBs are combined with ACE inhibitors or other antihypertensives in a treatment plan. Many patients with diabetes need more than one medication to control their blood pressure.