This study aims to determine the incidence and outcomes of new onset Type 2 DM among kidney transplant patients (NODAT) 1 year post transplant.

A retrospective cohort design using total enumeration sampling was conducted. Medical records of 124 post kidney transplant patients from 2010 up to 2023 were reviewed. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed: such as age, ethnicity, family history of diabetes mellitus, Body Mass Index (BMI), magnesium level, viral infections (HVC, CMV), transplant variables such as use of post transplant medications (steroids, tacrolimus, calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporin), as well as baseline FBS pre transplantation. Records were screened taking note of the FBS at 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month,1st year and annually thereafter to determine mean onset of NODAT. Associated morbidity and mortality outcomes among those with NODAT compared to those without NODAT were evaluated based on the following complications: allograft rejection, infection, cardiovascular events or death.

A total of 63 records were eligible. The incidence of NODAT was 6.3% in 63 patients, while 39.7% had prediabetes post transplantation. There was no significant difference in the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, except for sedentary lifestyle which was significantly higher among patients with prediabetes (p-value = 0.048). All groups were given immunosuppressants (Prednisone, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Tacrolimus and Rabbit Anti-thymocyte Globulin). There were no occurrences of deranged magnesium levels, rejection, infection, cardiovascular complications, or mortality reported across all groups, indicating a favorable safety profile for the population studied.

There is 6.3% incidence of NODAT in post kidney transplant patients. Its mean onset is 1 year (13.5 weeks) post-transplant. While family history and other clinico-demographic factors do not significantly differentiate in the groups, a sedentary lifestyle appears to be a significant risk factor for prediabetes in this population. The uniform use of immunosuppressants and the lack of adverse clinical outcomes further underscore the need for ongoing monitoring of NODAT, prediabetes and complications in transplant recipients.