Post-transplant Diabetes Mellitus: What Physicians Need to Know

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common problem among solid organ transplant recipients contributing to morbidity and affecting patient as well as graft survival adversely. It can occur at any period following transplantation, but maximum incidence is observed in the first few months, with a second peak after a few years after transplantation. The pathogenesis is complex and poorly understood, however, it is associated with both dysfunctional beta-cells and insulin resistance. Both nonpharmacologic and antidiabetic therapies are important for adequate glycemic control. This point of view article provides a short review on PTDM in solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients from a general physician's perspective.