Body mass index and the development of new-onset diabetes mellitus or the worsening of pre-existing diabetes mellitus in adults after kidney transplantation

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but obesity may increase the risk of new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT) or worsen pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM). This retrospective study analyzed 179 adult first-time kidney transplant recipients at OHSU (2008–2011) to assess associations between pre-transplant BMI and post-transplant diabetes outcomes. Logistic regression showed higher BMI modestly increased NODAT risk at discharge, 3, and 6 months (OR per BMI unit: 1.11–1.15). Changes in DM treatment were significantly associated across time intervals (p = 0.001). Findings support BMI as a predictor of NODAT and DM progression post-transplant.