Predictability and risk factors for development of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus after transplant in the Saudi population

Objectives: The study objective was to investigate the predictability and risk factors for the development of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus after transplant in the Saudi population. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study in adult kidney transplant recipients who developed new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus after transplant. Patients with and without new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus after transplant were compared for demographic factors, blood glucose levels at 4-hour intervals for 24 hours after transplant, and serum creatinine levels at 6 and 12 months after transplant. Results: Of 279 patients included in our study, 15.5% developed new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus after a mean follow-up of 4.6 ± 2.1 years after transplant. Patients with new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus after transplant were significant older (P =.001), had a higher body mass index (P =.001), and had higher fasting blood glucose levels 24 hours after transplant (P =.03). No significant differences were observed regarding sex, transplant type, or serum creatinine levels at 6 and 12 months. Risk factors for new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus after transplant are body mass index (P =.001; relative risk of 1.26), fasting blood glucose at 24 hours (P =.001; relative risk of 1.3), age (P =.001; relative risk of 1.44), and family history of diabetes mellitus (P =.001; relative risk of 31.3). Conclusions: Risk factors for developing new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus were age, heavier weight, body mass index, family history of diabetes mellitus, and having higher fasting blood glucose levels 24 hours after transplant, with family history of diabetes mellitus being an especially very high significant risk factor.