Figure 4 Metabolic findings in both groups. Empty boxes represent the IVC group; hatched boxes represent the aorta group. After transplantation, C-peptide levels were increased and fasting glucose levels were rapidly normalized in each group. The postoperative 1-month C-peptide level was significantly higher in the aorta group owing to the inclusion of PTA recipients with chronic kidney disease, including dialysis, who had impaired endogenous insulin metabolism. Hemoglobin A1c levels were all normalized (<6.5%) after transplant in both groups of recipients.