Fighting Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes

People with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) need to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Left uncontrolled or undiagnosed, CFRD can cause a serious decline in health.

Even though CFRD is an important health issue, it is not well understood. Dr. Yves Berthiaume (Université de Montréal) and his team of researchers are aiming to change this.

During the three-year, $900,000 Team Grant, the team will study the cause of CFRD and the effects in the body, as well as how to improve screening and diagnosis of CFRD.

The team is studying

• whether the same basic defect in cystic fibrosis that causes the production of thick mucus also contributes to the development of diabetes
• the effects of high blood sugar, a symptom of diabetes, on lung inflammation and lung function
• how screening for CFRD could be changed to improve outcomes for people with CF

Answers to these questions will provide insight into how CFRD can be diagnosed and treated earlier and more effectively, in order to prevent the health problems currently seen in many people with CFRD.

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Reviewed/updated: 2009-09-29