Diabetes Mellitus Following Renal Transplantation: Clinical and Pharmacological Considerations for the Elderly Patient

Abstract

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus occurs in 30–50% of cases during the first year post-renal transplantation. It is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Risk factors include age and specific immunosuppression regimens. At the same time, renal transplantation is increasingly indicated in elderly (aged >65 years) patients as this proportion of older patients in the prevalent dialysis population has increased. The immune system and β cells undergo senescence and this impacts on the risk for developing post-transplant diabetes and our ability to prevent such development. It may, however, be possible to identify patients at risk of developing post-transplant diabet..