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 need insulin when they are physically stressed with infection or are on steroid medications.

CF is treated along with your CF. Close monitoring is necessary and your CF team will have to work closely with your endocrinologist (diabetes doctor). It is important to remember that CFRD is different than Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. While sharing similar characteristics of each, CFRD must be treated differently and by an endocrinologist with CFRD experience.

How does CF Pharmacy help with CFRD?
All CFRD medications, supplies, syringes, test strips, equipment special foods, diabetic shoes, wound care supplies and more can be Auto Shipped directly to your home. We also offer specialized compounding of medications when available. For your convenience, a diabetes manager is available to give special education and support and answer any questions you may have.