The screening and diagnosis of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in the United Kingdom

Wickens-Mitchell, Kate L.; Gilchrist, Francis J.; McKenna, D.; Raffeeq, P.; Lenney, Warren

Abstract

Introduction
The cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) guidelines produced by the UK CF Trust differ from those used in Europe and the US. We conducted a study to establish current practice.

Method
Paediatric and adult questionnaires were devised and emailed to the 48 specialist UK CF centres.

Results
Completed questionnaires were returned by 39/48 (81%) centres. Only 3/21 (14%) paediatric centres begin annual screening at 12 years (as per UK guidelines), 11/21 (52%) start to screen at 10 years (as per European and US guidelines) and 5/21 (24%) begin screening at a child's first annual review. The oral glucose tolerance test is used as a screening test in 33/39 (85%) of centres but only 3/33 (9%) use it in isolation. Home glucose monitoring is the most frequently used diagnostic test undertaken in 32/39 (82%) centres, and again this is rarely used in isolation. The decision to initiate insulin is often shared between specialist nurses and doctors.

Conclusions
In the UK the majority of CF centres use the OGTT to screen and HGM to diagnose CFRD. The use of other tools varies with poor adherence to UK guidelines. These 2004 guidelines would benefit from being updated to reflect current best evidence.

Citation

Wickens-Mitchell, K. L., Gilchrist, F. J., McKenna, D., Raffeeq, P., & Lenney, W. (2014). The screening and diagnosis of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in the United Kingdom. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 13(5), 589-592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2014.01.008

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 14, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Feb 14, 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Deposit Date: Jan 12, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Cystic Fibrosis
• Print ISSN: 1569-1993
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 589-592
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2014.01.008
• Keywords: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine; Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: The screening and diagnosis of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in the United Kingdom; Journal Title: Journal of Cystic Fibrosis; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2014.01.008; Content Type: article; Copyright: Copyright © 2014 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.