Dramatic changes in the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are occurring, creating a cohort of aging individuals experiencing long‐term complications of this chronic disease. The two most common of these complications include CF‐related diabetes and CF bone disease. The clinical implications of each have become better understood, as have potential therapies. However, data obtained from the basic science studies of both diseases have not been widely recognized. In this review, we focus on the known and hypothesized pathogenesis of these two disorders. Additionally, the molecular underpinnings of CF will be explained along with the potential interactions with endocrine disease phenotypes. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 353–361, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.