1626-P: Alcohol Use and Clinical Outcomes in the T1D Exchange

Alcohol consumption has serious potential consequences for persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study examined associations between alcohol consumption status and diabetes outcomes. Participants were N=933 adults at Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Registry clinics who completed an emailed set of standardized self-report instruments that included items on alcohol use; A1c values were extracted from charts and reported by clinics. Participants were on average (SD) age 38 (16) years, 61% female, and 90% non-Hispanic white, and mean (SD) A1c was 7.8% (1.5%). The sample was 61% (n = 567) current non-binge drinkers, 19% (n = 174) current binge drinkers, 11% (n = 103) had never consumed alcohol, and 9% (n = 89) former drinkers. After controlling for relevant covariates, there was a trend toward higher diabetes self-care scores in never drinkers compared to current non-binge drinkers, current binge drinkers, and former drinkers, and a trend towards lower diabetes distress scores relative to current non-binge drinkers and former drinkers. The odds of a history of severe hypoglycemia, and odds of a neuropathy diagnosis, were lower among never drinkers relative to former drinkers (adjusted p < .04). Never drinkers did not differ from other drinking status groups on frequency of self-monitoring blood glucose, A1c, history of diabetic ketoacidosis, or nephropathy diagnosis (adjusted p’s≤.01). BMI was higher among never drinkers compared to former drinkers and non-binge drinkers (adjusted p > .05). These results suggest that experiencing severe hypoglycemia and being diagnosed with neuropathy may motivate some drinkers to stop drinking, and that never drinkers have more salutary self-care and distress, but higher BMI. Strategies to help patients with T1D manage alcohol are warranted.