Abstract

BACKGROUND
Post-transplantion diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a major metabolic complication of transplantation and shows a variable incidence among studies with different population or different definition. We examined the incidence and the risk factors of PTDM in the Korean patients with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression following kidney transplantation, and also investigated the change of insulin secretory capacity. METHODS: Twenty-one patients using tacrolimus as primary immunosuppressant were recruited and tested with serial 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months after kidney transplantation. RESULTS: According to the American Diabetes Association criteria, the incidence of PTDM was 57.1% (12 of 21). Baseline characteristics of PTDM group were old age (especially > 40 yr), high body mass index, high fasting glucose, high plasma insulin, and increased insulin resistance. The insulin secretory capacity in PTDM group was maximally suppressed 3 months after transplantation and was gradually restored thereafter along with dose reduction of tacrolimus. CONCLUSIONS: Attention should be paid to the patients, especially who are over 40 yr of age, throughout the high dose tacrolimus therapy.

• Keywords: Post-transplantion diabetes mellitus;Tacrolimus;Insulin secretory capacity