What Is Cystic Fibrosis And How Is It Linked With Diabetes?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited or genetic disorder, which means people are born with the condition. The condition cannot be developed later in life and is usually diagnosed within the first year of birth. The condition results from inheritance of a faulty CFTR gene from both parents. The condition affects cells in the body that are responsible for the production of mucous, sweat, and digestive juices, causing damage to various organs, such as the lungs, liver, pancreas, and digestive organs. Under normal circumstances, mucous that lines these organs works as a lubricant that is slippery and wet. However, when dealing with cystic fibrosis, the mucous that your body produces is abnormally thick or viscous and sticky. As a result, it begins to accumulate and clog up the lungs, blocks pancreatic ducts, and interferes with digestion. 

The Link Between Cystic Fibrosis And Diabetes

Damage to organs that occurs as a result of cystic fibrosis can give rise to a range of symptoms, from lung infections and breathing difficulty to problems with digestion and glucose metabolism. Problems with abnormal glucose metabolism, involving insulin deficiency or intermittent insulin resistance, are fairly common in patients with cystic fibrosis. This is because of inflammation and scarring of pancreatic tissue caused by the accumulation of thick sticky mucous. As a result, insulin-producing cells also suffer damage and over time, blood sugar levels begin to rise. This is described as cystic fibrosis diabetes. 

Research suggests that diabetes has a high prevalence among people with cystic fibrosis, with the incidence of diabetes increasing with advancing age. In children, rates of diabetes prevalence are roughly 2 percent, while 19 percent in adolescents, and as high as 50 percent among adults aged 30 years and over. Today, the outlook for patients is much better than in past decades and with effective treatment, the risk of diabetes may be lowered or the onset of the condition may be delayed. However, regular screening is important to ensure that diabetes is detected early so that it can be treated to prevent other complications from developing. 

Warning Signs Of Cystic Fibrosis Diabetes

Diabetes screening is typically recommended as part of any cystic fibrosis treatment and care program, ensuring that cystic fibrosis diabetes is usually diagnosed before symptoms even appear. This highlights the importance of screening, but it also helps to recognize the symptoms of cystic fibrosis diabetes. These include:

• Higher frequency of chest infections
• Increased sensation of thirst
• Increased frequency of urination
• Sudden inexplicable weight loss
• Unusual fatigue and exhaustion

Any of these warning signs should be treated seriously and must be brought to the attention of your doctor immediately. Make sure that you do not delay reporting the symptoms by waiting until your next health check or appointment. These symptoms typically appear if blood sugar levels have remained high for a while and have been left untreated. It can also increase the risk of serious diabetes complications that can affect vision, heart function, and other bodily processes. Cystic fibrosis diagnosis is easily diagnosed with the help of tools such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices and oral glucose tolerance tests. 

References:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545192/
• https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/cystic-fibrosis/