Risk Factors for Development of Post-Transplant Diabetes Mellitus After Kidney Transplantation and Comparison Between Older and Younger Recipients in the Early Post-Transplantation Period: A Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation (post-transplant diabetes mellitus PTDM) is a commonly observed metabolic complication. Its incidence ranges from 4% to 25%. The aim of this study was to analyze potential risk factors associated with PTDM in kidney transplant recipients. Additionally, the study focused on determining differences between older and younger patients with PTDM. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this retrospective study, we screened 375 patients who received a kidney transplant between January 2021 and February 2024. PTDM was defined based on the 2013 International Consensus Meeting on Post-transplant Diabetes Mellitus. Kidney transplant recipients who developed PTDM were compared with patients without PTDM, and then patients with PTDM were divided into 2 subgroups based on age (≥60 years, and <60 years), and compared. RESULTS The data of 218 kidney transplant recipients were analyzed. Of those, 55 patients (25%) developed PTDM. Age (p<0.001), elevated body mass index (p<0.001), hypomagnesemia (p<0.013), hypertriglyceridemia (p<0.001), and hypercholesterolemia (p<0.001) were significant risk factors for PTDM occurrence. A comparison between older and younger patients with PTDM did not reveal significant differences in terms of BMI, hypomagnesemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSIONS PTDM is a common complication after kidney transplantation. Older age showed the strongest association with PTDM. Patients who are at high risk should be carefully monitored and treated aggressively if the diabetes develops. More research comparing older and younger patients with PTDM is needed so that a better and more individualized approaches can be implemented.