Using stories to explore the lived experience of alcohol consumption in people with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: Evidence supports the risks of dangerous episodes of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, or extreme glucose variability in type 1 diabetes during and after alcohol consumption. Minimal evidence regarding preventative self-care strategies exists, and people with type 1 diabetes can develop personal tactics to overcome risks. Combining the lived experience of managing alcohol consumption while living with diabetes will enrich new patient and health care professional education.

Methods: Participants were recruited from social media, and attended between one and three online storytelling workshops. Demographic data were collected by questionnaire, and qualitative data were collected by note-taking during the online sessions and evaluated by thematic analysis.

Results: Nine participants aged 18–36 years (type 1 diabetes = seven [three female], and type 2 diabetes = two [both male]) were recruited. Insulin administration was by multiple daily injection therapy (n=5 including one type 2 diabetes), continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (n=3) without hybrid closed loop, and sulphonylurea plus morning long-acting analogue insulin (n=1 type 2 diabetes). From the nine participant stories three diabetic ketoacidosis, three hypoglycaemia, and one extreme glucose variability episodes occurred. Four clustered themes were found: living with diabetes, managing alcohol, app development suggestions, and future development suggestions.

Discussion: New insights discovered were: distressing glucose risks including diabetic ketoacidosis episodes, misinterpretation of glucose and intoxication symptoms, trial and error approaches, and non-disclosure to health care professionals regarding severe glucose situations. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.