Our aim in this study was to identify challenges and gaps in Canadian practices in screening, diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), with the goal of informing a Canadian-specific guideline for CFRD.
We conducted an online survey of health-care professionals (97 physicians and 44 allied health professionals) who care for people living with CF (pwCF) and/or CFRD (pwCFRD).
Most pediatric centres followed 10 pwCFRD. Children with CFRD are usually followed at a separate diabetes clinic, whereas adults with CFRD may be followed by respirologists, nurse practitioners or endocrinologists in CF clinic or in a separate diabetes clinic. Less than 25% of pwCF had access to an endocrinologist with a special interest or expertise in CFRD. Many centres perform screening oral glucose tolerance testing with fasting and 2-hour time-points. Respondents, especially those working with adults, also indicate use of additional tests for screening not currently recommended in CFRD guidelines. Pediatric practitioners tend to only use insulin to manage CFRD, whereas adult practitioners are more likely to use repaglinide as an alternative to insulin.
Access to specialized CFRD care may be a challenge for pwCFRD in Canada. There appears to be wide heterogeneity of CFRD care organization, screening and treatment among health-care providers caring for pwCF and/or CFRD across Canada. Practitioners working with adult pwCF are less likely to adhere to current clinical practice guidelines than practitioners working with children.
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