Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes

CF team at Cystic Fibrosis walkNearly 35%-40% of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop diabetes in early adulthood. People with CF and diabetes have a unique type of diabetes called cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD).

Poor glucose control is associated with weight loss, worsening lung function and poor outcomes for CF patients.

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, CFRD can be managed successfully. The University of Louisville Adult Cystic Fibrosis program is dedicated to the management of patients with cystic fibrosis and the study of conditions affecting this population.


Diagnosis and Complications

A screening tool called an oral glucose tolerance test can help your doctor diagnose whether you have CFRD. Long-term complications from poorly controlled CFRD include the following:

  • Weight loss
  • Worsening lung function
  • Liver disease
  • Eye problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Nerve problems

If you are diagnosed with CFRD, your CF care team may expand to include an endocrinologist and a certified diabetes educators. This team will help design a treatment plan to help you manage your diabetes while also maintaining your health with CF.


CF group in IndianapolisCF related endocrine conditions

  • CF is also associated with other unique endocrine disorders such as osteoporosis; CF bone disease (CFBD), hypogonadism, and infertility.
  • The endocrinologist works closely with the pulmonologists and other CF team members to provide comprehensive care.
  • We also provide diabetes and endocrine care following lung and/or liver transplantation for  CF.

Some of the problems faced by CF patients that require endocrine expertise include:

  • CFRD and complications
  • CF associated prediabetes
  • CF associated   hypoglycemia
  • CF bone disease
  • Care of CFRD patients during pregnancy and postpartum
  • Post-transplant diabetes
  • Post-transplant bone disease
  • Hypogonadism in men and women
  • Glucocorticoid associated hyperglycemia

For more information, go to the UofL Pulmonary Cystic Fibrosis site, or to make an appointment, call 588-4600.


Our Team

Sathya Krishnasamy
Sathya Krishnasamy, M.D.
CF Endocrinologist
Karen Towns
Karen Towns, RN
CF Nurse Coordinator
Ketia Zuckschwerdt
Ketia Zuckschwerdt, BSN, RN
Program Coordinator/Educator