What is new-onset diabetes after transplant or NODAT?
Even if you did not have diabetes before transplant, you may develop diabetes after. This type of diabetes is called as new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT). This can occur as a side effect of the immunosuppressant medications that you need to prevent rejection of your new kidney.
What are chances of having new-onset diabetes after transplant?
Some immunosuppressant medications increase your risk of having diabetes, even if you have never had diabetes before. Your chances of having new diabetes after transplant will be higher if you are obese, smoker and have sedentary lifestyle. The chances are even more if others members in your family have diabetes.
Why should you worry about diabetes?
Having a high blood sugar level due to diabetes or due to NODAT can cause serious damage to your heart, blood vessels, eyes, feet, and nerves. It can also cause damage to new kidney and reduce its function.
How can you check your blood sugar levels?
Blood sugar levels will be closely monitored while you are in the hospital after the transplant and in the outpatient clinic. If needed, the treating doctors will help you follow a plan to keep your blood sugar under control. If started on corticosteroid medication (such as prednisone), your blood sugar levels shall improve as the dose is decreased in the first 8 weeks after transplant. Your transplant team will also check your sugar levels as part of your regular blood work and manage accordingly. You can be given ant diabetic medication and or Insulin for some time.
If I already have diabetes, how can I keep my blood sugar under control?
Your treating transplant team will help you manage your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar control is usually done with following measures:
- A carbohydrate-controlled diet.
- Exercise, as much allowed by your doctor.
- Diabetes medications.
- Insulin.
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