Use of alcohol and recreational drugs, and type 1 diabetes

Alcohol inhibits glucose production by the liver and increases the risk of hypoglycaemia in patients with type 1 diabetes; see Alcohol-associated hypoglycaemia for information about alcohol intake and type 1 diabetes. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) website has useful tips for alcohol use while socialising.

The use of recreational drugs (including alcohol) may have a higher risk for harm in patients with type 1 diabetes. Changes in awareness, consciousness and understanding can compromise the ability to recognise hypoglycaemia and affect the patient’s ability to make good judgments. Also, because the symptoms of hypoglycaemia are similar to the effects of recreational drugs, hypoglycaemia may not be recognised by the patient’s friends and colleagues and so be untreated.