A new strategic partnership between Diabetes Australia and Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited will fund research into cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD).

The partnership will see almost $600,000 invested, beginning with an $80,000 first-round investment to identify the research priorities that matter most to the CFRD community.

Around one third of people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis develop CFRD as a complication, which is believed to develop as part of cystic fibrosis through damage to the pancreas, resulting in both insulin resistance and insufficiency.

CFRD requires careful management to protect lung health, prevent nutritional decline, maintain healthy weight and strength, and to lower the risk of infection. 

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the agreement demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to Australians living with all types of diabetes.

“This partnership will turn evidence into action, creating a positive impact in people’s lives.

“Cystic fibrosis is a devastating chronic condition but developments in treatment and management have significantly improved outcomes for individuals,” Ms Cain said.

“Both diabetes and cystic fibrosis are strongly influenced by genetic factors, meaning there are real opportunities for developing more effective management.

“We’re proud to partner with Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited to amplify research impact, and to support innovation that puts lived experience at the heart of research.”

Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited Director and Cystic Fibrosis Queensland CEO Petrina Fraccaro said the investment in research would help address misunderstandings while focusing on lived experience. 

“Cystic fibrosis related diabetes is one of the most common and serious complications of cystic fibrosis, yet it remains widely misunderstood and under-recognised. This partnership represents a critical step toward ensuring research priorities are shaped by lived experience and focused on the real-world challenges faced by Australians living with CFRD,” she said.

“CFRD is a form of pancreatogenic, or Type 3c diabetes, caused by progressive damage to the pancreas. It is fundamentally different from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and requires specialised approaches to care, research, and support.

“As people with cystic fibrosis live longer, addressing complications like CFRD is essential. This investment signals an important commitment to improving both quality of life and long-term health outcomes for our community,” Ms Fraccaro said.

The first funding call will support a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the CFRD community with a national approach and focus on lived experience. This will assist in identifying research topics for future funding investment to advance the development of evidence-based solutions to address issues that matter most to the CFRD community.

Identified priorities will be shared with the CFRD community including aligned research funding agencies with invitations to collaborate, coordinate and co-fund research investment at the conclusion of the identification phase.

Calls for project proposals nominations are anticipated to open in March 2026.   

Partnerships like this are part of the 2025-2030 Diabetes Australia Research Strategy, which supports research that is informed by lived experience. For more information please visit https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/current-research-projects/

About CFRL

Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited (CFRL) was established in April 1990 by Cystic Fibrosis Queensland to administer and grow bequests and donations to further cystic fibrosis research priorities. The objective of CFRL is to act as custodian of a ‘Capital Fund’ for the purpose of facilitating research into, investigation of and the eventual cure of cystic fibrosis.