Researchers are investigating whether the cystic fibrosis medication Trikafta can improve health outcomes for patients with Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD), a complication affecting approximately 30 per cent of Australian adults with the condition. Dr. Bernadette Prentice of Sydney Children’s Hospital is leading the RESET-CFRD project, which uses registry data to determine if the therapy alters the progression of pancreatic damage and insulin deficiency in these patients, according to the Royal Australian College of Physicians and Diabetes Australia.
How does Trikafta affect Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes?
Trikafta is currently used to treat the underlying genetic causes of cystic fibrosis, but its influence on secondary complications like CFRD remains under investigation. According to Dr. Prentice, the RESET-CFRD project aims to generate real-world evidence by analyzing data from the Australian Cystic Fibrosis Data Registry. The goal is to establish whether the therapy changes the trajectory of diabetes, which currently complicates the lives of 30 per cent of Australian adults living with cystic fibrosis. By comparing health outcomes between individuals with and without CFRD, researchers hope to better monitor long-term complications as life expectancy for these patients increases.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that damages the lungs and digestive system. CFRD specifically occurs when the pancreas is damaged, leading to reduced insulin production and a more complex medical management routine for patients.
Why is this research a priority for diabetes management?
CFRD adds significant burdens to patients, including the need for constant glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and rigorous nutritional management. Justine Cain, Group CEO of Diabetes Australia, stated that the organization identified CFRD as a high-priority area because it compounds the existing challenges of a chronic condition already characterized by recurrent infections. The research is supported by the 2026 Royal Australian College of Physicians and Diabetes Australia Research Establishment Fellowship, part of a broader $40 million investment by Diabetes Australia into diabetes research over the next decade.
What are the long-term implications for patient care?
As life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis improves, the medical community must adapt how it tracks chronic comorbidities. Dr. Prentice notes that the current project will evaluate whether existing registry structures are sufficient for monitoring long-term diabetes complications. The findings may influence clinical guidelines, helping families and caregivers manage the intersection of respiratory health and glucose control. According to Ms. Cain, the research strategy through 2030 prioritizes projects that deliver tangible, real-world impacts for the two million Australians currently living with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes.
For families managing complex chronic conditions, keeping a centralized record of glucose readings alongside respiratory treatment data can often help physicians identify patterns between lung health and insulin needs during routine consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD)?
CFRD is a form of diabetes that occurs when cystic fibrosis causes damage to the pancreas, limiting the body’s ability to produce insulin. It affects about 30 per cent of Australian adults with cystic fibrosis.
What is the goal of the RESET-CFRD project?
The project, led by Dr. Bernadette Prentice, seeks to determine if Trikafta therapy changes the development and long-term impact of diabetes in patients with cystic fibrosis.
How is this research being funded?
The project is supported by the 2026 Royal Australian College of Physicians and Diabetes Australia Research Establishment Fellowship.
How many people in Australia are affected by diabetes?
Approximately two million Australians live with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes, with about 300 new diagnoses occurring every day, according to Diabetes Australia.
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