Determinants of Poor Glycemic Control in Patients with Kidney Transplants: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study in Canada

Abstract

Background: Kidney transplant immunosuppressive medications are known to impair glucose metabolism, causing worsened glycemic control in patients with pre-transplant diabetes mellitus (PrTDM) and new onset of diabetes after transplant (NODAT). Objectives: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of both PrTDM and NODAT patients. Design: This is a single-center retrospective observational cohort study. Setting: The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada. Participant: A total of 132 adult (>18 years) kidney transplant patients from 2013 to 2015 were retrospectively followed 3 years post-transplant. Measurements: Patient characteristics, transplant information, pre- and post-transplant HbA1C and random glucose, follow-up appointments, complications, and readmissions. Methods: We looked at the prevalence of poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8.5%) in the PrTDM group before and after transplant and compared the prevalence, follow-up appointments, and rate of complications and readmission rates in both the PrTDM and NODAT groups. We determined the risk factors of developing poor glycemic control in PrTDM patients and NODAT. Student t-test was used to compare means, chi-squared test was used to compare percentages, and univariate analysis to determine risk factors was performed by logistical regression. Results: A total of 42 patients (31.8%) had PrTDM and 12 patients (13.3%) developed NODAT. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8.5%) was more prevalent in the PrTDM (76.4%) patients compared to those with NODAT (16.7%; P