Self-Reported Compensation Techniques for Carbohydrate, Exercise, and Alcohol Behaviors in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes on Insulin Pump Therapy

J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2018 Mar;12(2):412-414. doi: 10.1177/1932296817718848. Epub 2017 Jul 5.

Abstract

Studies have found variability in self-care behaviors in patients with type 1 diabetes, particularly when incorporating exercise and alcohol consumption. The objective of this study was to provide results from a survey to understand (1) insulin pump behaviors, (2) reported self-management behaviors for exercise and alcohol, and (3) perceptions of the effects of exercise and alcohol on blood glucose (BG) control. Fourteen participants from an outpatient endocrinology practice were recruited and administered an electronic survey. Compensation techniques for exercise and alcohol, along with reasons for employing the techniques were identified. Also identified were factors that participants said affected BG control with regard to exercise and alcohol. These results confirm the considerable inconsistency patients have about incorporating exercise and alcohol into decisions about self-management behaviors.

Keywords: alcohol; behaviors; exercise; insulin pump; survey; type 1 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alcohol Drinking*
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring* / methods
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring* / statistics & numerical data
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / drug therapy
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Insulin / administration & dosage
  • Insulin Infusion Systems
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Care / methods*
  • Self Report
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin