Glucose levels in non-diabetic cardiothoracic transplant recipients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Glucose levels in non-diabetic cardiothoracic transplant recipients
IRAS ID
162005
Contact name
A.J. Jolly
Contact email
Research summary
New onset diabetes after organ transplantation (NODAT) occurs in 5-50% of recipients and a major cause of further illness and death. NODAT is under-diagnosed because of variations in the criteria and tests used to diagnose it. This is complicated further by drugs that transplant recipients take to prevent organ rejection; some of these can raise blood glucose (sugar) levels during the day before returning to normal overnight. As glucose levels are often only taken early in the morning this can lead to the raised glucose levels not being detected. This project aims to discover the best time of day to sample blood for glucose in cardiothoracic transplant (heart or lung) recipients so that a more accurate estimation of their glucose levels can be made. Patients with raised glucose levels that indicate impaired glucose regulation (IGR) could then be better managed by their doctor so that they can avoid developing NODAT and further complications to their health.
We aim to recruit cardiothoracic transplant recipients and monitor their glucose levels continuously for 3 days using a small sensor inserted under the skin. In order to regulate the sensor the participant will need to take a finger-prick blood sugar sample 4 times a day before meals. The participant will also be asked to complete a food and activity diary for the three days; this information will be used to help interpret the data provided by the glucose sensor.
Participants found to have IGR will have standard blood tests for diabetes performed, these being an oral glucose tolerance test and a single blood test that estimates the average blood glucose concentration over the last 6-12 weeks (HbA1c). These tests will allow a diagnosis of IGR or NODAT to be made and further our understanding of glucose levels in cardiothoracic transplant recipients.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1171
Date of REC Opinion
10 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion