Pharmacological management of cystic fibrosis related diabetes

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There are limited data from randomized clinical trials to guide optimal options for pharmacological treatment of cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD). Current guidelines recommend insulin as the only treatment option for CFRD.

Areas covered: Current guidelines for screening, diagnosis and pharmacological agents for treatment of impaired glucose tolerance and CFRD in patients with cystic fibrosis are reviewed. Insights from clinical studies examining the role of insulin therapy in CFRD are presented.

Expert commentary: CFRD is the most common extra pulmonary complication of cystic fibrosis, and is primarily related to insulin insufficiency. Insulin is the treatment of choice for CFRD. Insulin treatment is associated with improvement in glycemic control, nutritional status and lung function. Current data does not support use of oral hypoglycemic agents for treatment of CFRD.

KEYWORDS:

• Cystic fibrosis
• cystic fibrosis related diabetes
• glucose intolerance
• CFRD

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript was funded by Cystic Fibrosis Foundation EnVision CF: Emerging Leaders in CF Endocrinology.