Tirzepatide improves glycemic control and cardiovascular risk in CF-related diabetes: first case report | Research

The takeaway

First case of tirzepatide for CF-related diabetes (CFRD): a 51-year-old woman achieved improved HbA1c, weight, and blood pressure over 3 months despite long-standing CFRD on basal-bolus insulin, with no significant adverse effects.

First tirzepatide in CFRD
Tirzepatide improved glucose, weight, and blood pressure in the first reported CFRD case—addressing the emerging metabolic syndrome in modern CF patients on CFTR modulators

What the researchers found

First CFRD case on tirzepatide. Improved: HbA1c, glucose control, weight, blood pressure. 3-month follow-up. No major adverse effects. Long-standing CFRD on basal-bolus insulin. 51-year-old woman.

Why it matters

CFRD is the most common CF comorbidity, and CFTR modulators are changing its metabolic landscape. Tirzepatide addresses both glucose control and the emerging cardiometabolic syndrome in modern CF patients.

How the study worked

Single case report of tirzepatide in CFRD.

What this study cannot tell us

Single case. Short follow-up (3 months). Cannot generalize to all CFRD patients. CF-specific safety concerns (malabsorption, underweight risk) not fully addressed.

How to read the evidence

Single case report. Important for CFRD treatment evolution.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

The CF treatment paradigm is shifting: CFTR modulators improve lung function but cause weight gain and metabolic complications. GLP-1/GIP drugs like tirzepatide may become essential partners to CFTR modulators for comprehensive CF management.

Questions still open

Should tirzepatide be studied formally in CFRD?
Is weight loss safe for CF patients who were previously encouraged to gain weight?
How does tirzepatide interact with CFTR modulators?

Common questions

Can tirzepatide help CF-related diabetes?

This first case report suggests yes. A 51-year-old woman with long-standing CFRD who was not well-controlled on insulin saw improvements in blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure after starting tirzepatide over 3 months. Larger studies are needed.

Why are CF patients gaining weight now?

New CFTR modulator drugs (like Trikafta) dramatically improve CF lung function but can cause weight gain and metabolic changes. Many CF patients are developing obesity and metabolic syndrome for the first time, creating a new need for drugs like tirzepatide that address these complications.

Read the original research

Redefining Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes Management With Tirzepatide: A Case Report.

Cureus, 17(11), e97448

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Suresh Babu, Yashwanth; Jayagopal, Vijay. (2025). Redefining Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes Management With Tirzepatide: A Case Report.. Cureus, 17(11), e97448. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.97448