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Cystic fibrosis related diabetes

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Although people with cystic fibrosis can develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes, cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is a different condition. There are differences in how it develops and needs to be treated.  

What is cystic fibrosis? 

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that some people are born with. It is usually diagnosed before the age of one and is caused by both parents passing on a faulty gene.  People with cystic fibrosis produce thick, sticky mucus, which can build up in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including breathing problems, lung infections and problems with digesting food. 

What causes CFRD?

The build-up of sticky mucus caused by cystic fibrosis can lead to inflammation and scarring of the pancreas. This can damage the cells that produce insulin and lead to high blood glucose levels. When the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, blood glucose levels continue to rise leading to cystic fibrosis related diabetes. 

Signs and symptoms of CFRD

People with cystic fibrosis are generally screened for diabetes as part of their ongoing cystic fibrosis care. This means that CFRD is usually detected and diagnosed before symptoms begin to develop.

Symptoms of CFRD may include: 

  • getting chest infections more often
  • weight loss
  • feeling very thirsty
  • going to the toilet a lot 
  • feeling more tired than usual

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare team straight away. Don’t wait for your next routine screening appointment. 

Treating CFRD

If you are diagnosed with CFRD, you will receive nutrition advice from a specialist cystic fibrosis dietitian. They will be able to tailor their advice specific to your situation.

Often, people with cystic fibrosis diabetes need to continue to eat their usual high-calorie, high-protein and high-fat diet. 

It’s important to recognise that this nutrition advice is different to the advice usually given to people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This is because when you have cystic fibrosis, maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging as a lot of energy is needed to fight infections and keep lungs functioning. 

Insulin

Insulin injections are the most common treatment needed for people with CFRD to manage their diabetes.

Physical activity 

Being active has many health benefits and if you have cystic fibrosis diabetes doing some form of regular physical activity is beneficial. 

Additional support 

If you’re looking for additional support, you can find resources and peer support on the cystic fibrosis website.

 

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