Australian Research Targets Diabetes Hope for CF Patients

Families managing cystic fibrosis in Australia may soon have reason to celebrate as groundbreaking research investigates whether a lifesaving CF treatment could also prevent a devastating complication.

Dr Bernadette Prentice is leading a major study to determine if Trikafta, already transforming outcomes for cystic fibrosis patients, might also change the course of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). Around 30% of Australian adults living with CF develop this serious form of diabetes, adding insulin management and glucose monitoring to an already demanding condition.

The research, backed by a prestigious fellowship from the Royal Australian College of Physicians and Diabetes Australia, will analyze real-world data from thousands of Australian patients. The RESET-CFRD project will compare outcomes between CF patients with and without diabetes to understand Trikafta's full impact.

For families already navigating daily lung treatments, medications, and hospital visits, CFRD adds another layer of complexity. Parents and young people face constant decisions about insulin doses, blood sugar checks, and nutrition while managing reduced life expectancy and recurrent infections.

Dr Prentice, a Paediatric Respiratory Physician at Sydney Children's Hospital, called the support "an honour." She emphasized that families desperately need clear answers about whether this transformational CF therapy can also ease the diabetes burden.

The research comes as part of Diabetes Australia's ambitious 10-year, $40 million investment in research focused on real-world impact. With 300 Australians diagnosed with diabetes every day and two million already living with the condition, understanding all forms of the disease matters.

The Ripple Effect

This research represents more than laboratory discoveries. As Trikafta extends life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis, understanding long-term complications becomes critical for helping patients thrive, not just survive.

The study will also strengthen Australia's ability to monitor diabetes complications in CF patients nationwide through improved registry tracking. Better data means better care for every family touched by these conditions.

Diabetes Australia CEO Justine Cain highlighted that CFRD research was identified as a priority precisely because it addresses families managing overlapping complex conditions. When one breakthrough treatment might solve two devastating problems, everyone wins.

The research will generate the clear evidence doctors and families need to make informed decisions about treatment and provide hope for thousands of Australians facing this double diagnosis.