Glycaemic Index Dietary Education for glucose abnormalities in CF

GLIDE: Glycaemic Index Dietary Education for glucose abnormalities in cystic fibrosis - a feasibility study

Few people with CF have normal blood glucose control and these glucose abnormalities eventually progress to cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), the most common complication of CF. The combination of diabetes and CF leads to increased morbidity and a six-fold increase in mortality. People with CF are encouraged to consume a high calorie diet to maintain weight. This typically means eating food and drinks that are often high in fat and/or sugar. For people with CF who also need to control their blood glucose levels, high sugar intake can make this difficult. There is limited evidence to guide dietary therapy for blood glucose abnormalities in CF. Manipulating the glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) of what is consumed may be a possible area for intervention to improve blood glucose control without compromising energy intake. This study will explore the feasibility of delivering glycaemic index/glycaemic load dietary education (GLIDE) in a sample of 20 young people with CF and abnormal blood glucose control. GLIDE intervention will be implemented by participants for 12 weeks. Dietary intake and glycaemic control will be measured at baseline and at 12 week follow-up using an on-line dietary recording tool and continuous glucose monitoring, respectively. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of GLIDE intervention in young people with CF and abnormal blood glucose control. Feasibility will be assessed through measurement of recruitment to the study, attendance at research visits and acceptability of GLIDE intervention, determined via in-depth qualitative interviews. Secondary objectives include measuring glycaemic control, energy and nutrient intake, body weight and lung function before GLIDE intervention and at 12-week follow-up