Alcohol‐associated risks for young adults with Type 1 diabetes: a narrative review

Abstract

Aim To undertake a narrative review of the impact and pattern of alcohol consumption in young adults with Type 1 diabetes. (age 14-25 years) were included. The key outcomes were the quantity, pattern and impact of alcohol consumption, the effect on diabetes control and the effect of interventions to minimize the risks of alcohol for this population. MethodsResults Six articles and two conference abstracts met the inclusion criteria. There were six cross-sectional studies, one qualitative study and one within-subjects design study. Quality of studies was variable. Alcohol use amongst young adults with Type 1 diabetes was reported to be common and potentially harmful. There was a paucity of evidence on interventions to minimize the risks of alcohol in this target group. ConclusionsResearch is required to understand the social context of alcohol consumption in this population with a view to developing appropriate interventions to minimize the risks associated with its use.

Alcohol Use Trajectories After High School Graduation Among Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

“…However, the lack of association of alcohol classes with glycemic control is consistent with inconclusive associations noted in a recent synthesis of findings among youth with diabetes [1]. The 42 day average between measurement of glycemic control and alcohol use provided considerable time for other factors to influence glycemic control.…”

“…Youth with type 1 diabetes use alcohol [1] and may be similar to their emerging adult peers who use alcohol more than other age groups [2]. Arnett [2] hypothesizes that emerging adults’ substance use may be associated with the freedom to experiment with substances as part of seeking their identity, the lack of expectations for adult behavior, the lack of perceptions of substance use consequences, and self-medication in response to the stress of the many changes in their life, confusion about their identity and/or pessimism about their future.…”

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2018: Diabetes in adolescence

“…Smoking in the context of type 1 diabetes during youth is a marker of social deprivation . Notwithstanding the apparent wide contextual variation in alcohol consumption in adolescents with diabetes, advice on alcohol, smoking, and drugs should include: Encouragement to refrain from smoking and binge drinking, and advice on avoiding the dangers of drugs that may affect brain function or lead to dependence or addiction. Adopting a realistic advisory approach to alcohol rather than an absolute ban on medical grounds. Information on the effects of alcohol, particularly in young adolescents, on the liver by inhibiting gluconeogenesis with the possibility of either delayed severe hypoglycemia. This can variably combine with the carbohydrate content of the beverage to result in an unpredictable glycemic response …”

The Role of Mobile Applications in Improving Alcohol Health Literacy in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

“…1 Despite government initiatives for sensible drinking, binge drinking remains a sociocultural norm among young adults in the United Kingdom. 2 Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with suboptimal glycemic control and specific diabetes related risks. 3 Previous research has shown that young people use social media and mobile technologies to seek information regarding diabetes self-management and alcohol education.…”