Management of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in adolescence

Cystic fibrosis (CF) and type 1 diabetes are two of the most common chronic childhood conditions in the UK; the management of each comprises demanding and perpetual daily regiments. As the life expectancy of patients with CF has improved, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of patients developing CF-related diabetes (CFRD), some of whom are teenagers. For a number of reasons, non-adherence to treatment is a recognized problem in chronically ill teenagers, a problem exacerbated when CF and diabetes co-exist. There is a scarcity of literature concerning CFRD management, particularly in relation to adolescence, with recommendations often being based on anecdotal evidence. In this article, the aetiology, incidence, diagnosis and management of CFRD are outlined. Chronic illness in adolescence and the problem of non-compliance are explored and considered in the context of CFRD. Recommendations for practice for health professionals caring for teenagers with CFRD are offered.