Type 2 diabetes and kidney transplant: comparative study on medication adherence

Objective: To investigate medication adherence in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among kidney transplant recipients and non-transplant recipients. Methods: Comparative study between patients assisted at the Diabetes Center (Group 1 without kidney transplant) and at the Post-Renal Transplant Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital do Rim e da Hipertensao (Group 2 with kidney transplant), both in the city of Sao Paulo. The sample consisted of people over 18 years of age with a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes using medication for glycemic control. The data collection period was from October 2017 to October 2018. The following was applied to participants: socio-clinical form, instrument for Measuring Adherence to Medication Treatment in Diabetes Mellitus (oral antidiabetics and insulin) and the Anxiety and Depression scale. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee as 0712/2017. Results: Sample composed of 107 patients (Group 1: 56 and Group 2: 51), higher percentage of men, mean age of 63.3 years, from the metropolitan region of Sao Paulo, retired, married, overweight, without symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even though patients self-reported adherence to medication for diabetes control, results of glycated hemoglobin ranged between 8.3 and 8.7% between groups, both above 7%. Conclusion: When analyzing the relationship between self-reported adherence, glycated hemoglobin, anxiety and depression, a statistically significant correlation could not be found. The parameters evaluated in this study did not allow establishing a cause and effect relationship.

Automated summary

This study investigated medication adherence in type 2 diabetes mellitus among kidney transplant recipients and non-transplant recipients. The results showed that even though patients reported adherence to medication for diabetes control, their glycated hemoglobin levels were still above the recommended range. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between medication adherence, glycated hemoglobin, anxiety, and depression.