Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes in Childhood

Since the early 1990s the management of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) has come a long way and advances in both nutritional and medical care have resulted in a median age of survival of 30-35 years, as compared with a life expectancy of <1 year in the 1950s. The first definitive reports of glucose intolerance or diabetes in CF are from 1955. The combination of CF and related diabetes (CFRD) has a negative impact on survival. CFRD is now the most common complication of CF (50% of the CF patients will develop diabetes by the age of 30 years), and is associated with a 6-fold increase in morbidity and mortality. CFRD is usually asymptomatic and can remain undetected for up to 4 years prior to diagnosis. The objective of this report was to review the current literature (Medline and Pubmed searches) on CFRD in children and adolescents and provide a comprehensive report of incidence, prevalence and pathophysiology of insulin deficiency and insulin insensitivity. Along with survival and prognosis in CFRD the current management strategies in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of CFRD will also be addressed.