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Cystic fibrosis (CF) related diabetes.

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is a type of diabetes that can happen in people living with cystic fibrosis  (CF). In fact, it’s a very common complication. About 20 percent of teens and 40 to 50 percent of adults have CFRD.1,2

CF can affect the pancreas. This organ helps digest food and control insulin.  Many people living with CF can develop CFRD. 

What is diabetes?

You can get diabetes if your pancreas can’t make insulin. Or your body just doesn’t respond to insulin.

There are two main types of diabetes:

  • Type 1: When the body doesn’t make any insulin
  • Type 2: When the body doesn’t respond to insulin the right way

CFRD has features of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

For some people with CF, CFRD happens only at times. It may happen when they have an infection or take steroids. That’s called intermittent CFRD. For others, CFRD is chronic. Chronic CFRD must be treated with insulin therapy. You can’t treat it with oral medications.

What are the symptoms of CFRD?

  • Urinate often (polyuria)
  • Often thirsty (polydipsia)
  • Sudden weight loss or trouble staying at a healthy weight
  • Feeling very tired (fatigue)
  • Worsening lung function
  • Frequent lung infections
  • Wounds are slow to heal

Talk to your doctor or your CF treatment center provider if you have any of these symptoms. Your CF treatment center can give you tests for CFRD.

CFRD is usually diagnosed when sugar levels in your blood are high. It’s important to get regular blood sugar checks.

Here are ways to treat CFRD:

·         Change your diet. Be sure you get plenty of calories, but also limit sugar. Try to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. Your dietitian can help. They’ll help you figure out what to eat.

·         Insulin therapy. Insulin injections or pumps help keep blood sugar at a healthy level. How often and how much you take is based on your needs. 

·         Monitoring. Check your blood glucose level often. Be sure it’s within a healthy target. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can help. They track levels in real time. Try wearable glucose monitors. Or use phone or watch apps that track blood sugar.

What are some CFRD-related problems?

CFRD may cause eye, kidney, circulation and nerve problems. People with CF who have poor control of diabetes can get infections. They may also have poor lung function. Their osteoporosis risk is higher, too.

People with CFRD can lead active, fulfilling lives. Manage your health with care. Get the support you need from your CF team and dietitian.

If you have questions, call your CVS CF CareTeam at 1-866-845-6790.               

Disclaimers

1.       Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes Found at htps://www.cff.org/managing-cf/cystic-fibrosis-related-diabetes. Accessed April 14, 2025.

2.      Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 2023 Patient Registry Annual Data Report. Accessed April 14, 2025.

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