A leading diabetes and respiratory researcher is investigating whether a breakthrough cystic fibrosis treatment could change the course of a serious form of diabetes affecting Australians living with cystic fibrosis.

The important research is supported by the 2026 Royal Australian College of Physicians and Diabetes Australia Research Establishment Fellowship.

The Fellowship will support Dr Bernadette Prentice’s project, “RESET-CFRD: using REgistry Studies to Evaluate the impact of Trikafta in Australians living with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.”

The research will examine whether Trikafta, a transformational therapy for cystic fibrosis, may also influence the development and long-term impact of Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD), a serious complication affecting around 30 per cent of adults living with cystic fibrosis in Australia.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. CFRD develops because of damage to the pancreas that reduces insulin production, adding another complex chronic condition to individuals already at risk of recurrent infections and reduced life expectancy.

Dr Prentice, a Paediatric Respiratory Physician and Co-Head of Department at Sydney Children’s Hospital, said the Fellowship would help generate critical evidence for Australians living with CFRD and their families.

“It is an honour to receive this support, and I am truly appreciative of the RACP’s and Diabetes Australia’s commitment to advancing diabetes research in people living with cystic fibrosis and improving the lives of those affected,” Dr Prentice said.

“For many families, CFRD adds a significant layer of complexity to an already demanding chronic condition.

“Parents, caregivers, and young people navigate daily challenges involving glucose control and insulin use, nutrition, treatment burden, and uncertainty about the future,” she said.

Through the RESET-CFRD project, researchers will analyse data from the Australian Cystic Fibrosis Data Registry to compare outcomes in individuals with and without CFRD and evaluate whether the registry can better monitor long term diabetes complications as individuals living with cystic fibrosis live longer.

“This research aims to generate clear, real-world evidence about how Trikafta, a transformational therapy for cystic fibrosis, may change the trajectory of diabetes in this population,” Dr Prentice said.

“This Fellowship brings us significantly closer to achieving this.”

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the Fellowship highlighted the importance of investing in research that supports people living with all types of diabetes.

“Dr Prentice’s work has the potential to improve understanding of CFRD nationally and strengthen the way Australia monitors long term diabetes complications in people living with cystic fibrosis,” she said.

“Diabetes research changes lives. It drives scientific discovery, accelerates innovation and helps people with diabetes live longer, healthier and more productive lives,” Ms Cain said.

“CFRD was identified as a priority because it affects around 30 per cent of adults living with cystic fibrosis in Australia and places an enormous burden on individuals and families already managing a complex chronic condition.”

Ms Cain said Diabetes Australia’s Research Strategy 2025-2030 places people living with and at risk of diabetes at the centre of research projects to ensure studies deliver meaningful real world impact to those that need it most.

Diabetes Australia is investing $40 million into Australian diabetes research over ten years to accelerate discoveries and improve outcomes for people living with all types of diabetes.

Around two million Australians are living with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes, with approximately 300 people diagnosed every day.