A prospective observational study on the traditional and novel risk factors associated with post-transplant diabetes mellitus in renal transplant recipients

Introduction and Aim: Post Transplant Diabetes Mellitus (PTDM) constitutes a major co-morbidity that has significant impact on the patient and renal allograft outcome. Various traditional risk factors like dialysis vintage, immunosuppressive medication, viral infections have known to be associated with PTDM. Novel risk factors and its causative role in PTDM remains unexplored. The study looked at the incidence of PTDM at 6 months post renal transplantation and correlation of PTDM with known traditional and novel risk factors like pre-transplant C-reactive protein (CRP) level and Trace element deficiency.   Material and Methods: 30 consecutive renal transplant recipients more than 18 years of age were inducted into the study. Demographic data, known pre-transplant and post-transplant risk factors associated with development of PTDM were collected. Pre-transplant CRP and serum Trace element (Aluminum, Copper, Selenium and Zinc) levels were estimated. PTDM was diagnosed by home based glucometer monitoring and confirmed by Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).   Results: The incidence of PTDM was 36.6% at six months post renal transplant. Among the pre-transplant risk factors, higher age and positive family history of diabetes mellitus had a strong association with the occurrence of PTDM. Pre-transplant Zinc deficiency emerged as a significant novel risk factor for the development of PTDM.   Conclusion: Apart from known traditional risk factors, novel risk factors are associated with development of PTDM.