This results in cysts being formed and these lead to fibrosis in the pancreas. The enzymes produced by the pancreas are vital to normal digestion. Digestive enzyme preparations can replace most of the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas. Insulin is also produced in the pancreas. However, in most cases of cystic fibrosis, the pancreas usually manages to produce enough insulin in childhood but diabetes is increasingly common in adults.
Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening condition.
Inheritance patterns Cystic fibrosis is the commonest inherited life-threatening disorder amongst Caucasians in the UK today. Inheritance is autosomal recessive. Diagnosis can be made by chorionic villus sampling about the tenth to twelfth week of pregnancy. Screening for carriers of the CF gene is now possible. The Trust is a National Registered Charity No. 1079049.