May 26 2009

Quality of life improving for Cystic Fibrosis patients

Routine testing for diabetes in Cystic Fibrosis patients leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment is one of the new ways Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is continuing to extend life expectancy and quality of life among sufferers.

Redcliffe woman Jo-Anne Giles was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 6 months and is one of the 160 adults treated at the State Cystic Fibrosis Centre at SCGH.  The genetic disease affects mucous production in the lungs, liver, pancreas and intestines and leads to progressive disability and reduced life expectancy.

During a recent visit to the Hospital, Jo-Anne Giles was fitted with a continuous glucose monitoring device (CGMD) to test for diabetes.  The two-piece device includes a fine probe fitted under the skin of the abdomen and a monitor which attaches to a belt.  It tests blood glucose levels over a 72 hour period.

“The device was easy to use and wear and gave a really good picture of what my blood sugar levels were like over that time,” said Ms Giles. “That led to further testing which confirmed I had CF-related diabetes and explained why I had been feeling unwell despite being in otherwise good condition.”

Jo-Anne Giles is now being treated with insulin and it’s hoped more patients who have CF-related diabetes will be diagnosed earlier with the Hospital now testing all CF patients with the device annually.

Clinical Nurse Consultant for CF Sue Morey said the Hospital was always looking for new ways to improve the lives of those with the disease by keeping them healthy, minimising the need for hospital admission and reducing time spent waiting in hospital.

“CF sufferers have an average life expectancy of around 36 years. What we aim to do is have them come to regular appointments where they can access most if not all of the health professionals they need on the same day,” she said.

“The ‘one-stop shop’ style of appointment minimises the amount of time that would otherwise be spent waiting for individual doctors, nurses and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists” said Mrs Morey.

The annual national awareness day for Cystic Fibrosis- ’65 Roses Day’ is Friday May 29. Donations to help find a cure can be made at www.65rosesday.org.au

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