What is CFRD

In general, diabetes refers to a disorder in how the body uses food to make energy. CFRD is caused by changes in the pancreas that are part of your CF. As you may remember, the pancreas has two jobs. One is to make enzymes
for digestion. The other is to make
insulin, a hormone that allows the body to use food. A person with CF has diabetes when his/her pancreas can't make enough insulin. The symptoms of diabetes occur when "unused" glucose (sugar) builds up in your bloodstream. This results in a higher than normal blood glucose level. Most people with CF don't make very much insulin, but they are still able to live a long time without developing diabetes.

However, the older you are the more likely you are to develop CFRD.

Some people with CF have chronic CFRD, which means they always need medical treatment to keep their blood sugar in the normal range. Others have intermittent CFRD, and only need insulin when they are physically stressed with infection or are taking steroid medications.

CFRD is treated along with your CF. Close monitoring is necessary. Your CF team will have to work close with your endrocrinologist (diabetic doctor).

• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Excessive hunger

• Weight loss or inability to gain or maintain weight
• Unexplained fall in pulmonary function
• Lack of energy