There will be a lot of straight-laced diabetics & doctors out there who will find the fact that I have used recreational drugs amazing, a lot that will be befuddled with my bravery, or perhaps astounded at my stupidity. I know the reaction I get when ever I tell anyone that I am diabetic while under the influence - they look at me like I'm crazy... who knows maybe I am?  I guess the truth is I want to live life to the full, I want to experience everything, I want to travel, I want to lead as normal a life as possible while my body still allows it, and if that means taking a few risks here and there, so be it. I am not the type of character that will mull in my own self-pity - I have been handed my cards - I am the only one that can re-shuffle them. I want every other diabetic to have the same mind-set. Enjoy life ; you only get one chance at it.

This will not be the only topic I will cover on my condition in future; drugs are not that important a part of my life. This guide is not pro-drugs, I am not going to try and persuade you all to go out and get high, it is merely a file detailing the effect certain drugs have on me. I think diabetics should have as much information that will apply to themselves, as opposed to the plethora of documented research for non-diabetics. 

I would like to work with medical professionals in the future, so that we can come to some concrete conclusions about the effects of recreational drugs & diabetes, but for now, I have put together this, which I hope will enlighten and inform. 

I must stress that if you use my document as a blueprint for your own personal drug taking, you could be putting yourself at risk. Always remember, drugs have a varied effect on different types of people - your experience may be completely different from mine... and until proper medical research has been completed, use at your own consequence. 

My Profile -

Male diabetic since age  7, now 23. 

Smoker since age 18 (10 a day).

Type of insulin 'Humulin M4' 2 injections a day - 32 units morning - 32 units night.

Height 6 foot. Weight 11.5 stones.

Usual blood sugar : 

   - Morning before breakfast - 7-10 mmol 

   - Night before supper  - 5-7 mmol

No significant problems - no circulation problems (yet).

Eyes - shortsighted, monthly contact lens wearer. 

Never had treatment for DKA (never had it severe enough). 

I will start to explain my experiences from the first drug, to the last. I was 17 years old when I smoked my first spliff. I can remember worrying about ;

• What might happen to me (mentally & physically) 
• What side effects 'It' could have on my condition 
• Whether I could hypo or not 
• What precautions to take if anything goes 'pear-shaped'

When reviewing the drugs I have taken, the issues outlined above will be covered in full. I think that these are the most importance considerations to observe while under the influence of any drug, and I feel that to enjoy the effects of the substances you have taken, you need to be aware and conscious that your body is functioning properly.
 

What might happen to me (mentally & physically)

• Had no discernable effect on my blood sugar levels (ie no hypo unexpectedly - although the munchies sometimes 'feels' like a hypo, you feel drained and in need of food - try not to overindulge... and check your sugar levels) 
• User will feel typical 'stoned' sensations - documented heavily in pamphlets/films/documentaries etc.

• Smoking in any way shape or form is bad for diabetics & non-diabetics. Can cause everything from heart conditions to cancer, circulation problems and lung difficulties. If you smoke - exercise & take vitamins on a regular basis and try not to become addicted. It is particularly bad for older diabetics.
• Heavy users sometimes lose weight through bad diabetic control
• Regular users have loss of motivation - a typical side effect
• Smoking dope sometimes makes you worry about your diabetic condition excessively - worrying unnecessarily can be bad for your state of mind.

• Cannabis or Marijuana has never affected my blood sugar levels. Some users have reported crashing hypos ;

• In any case, being a diabetic you should have sweets or food to combat a hypo in any situation. You are still in complete control of your body functions while under the influence of Marijuana!

• Remember : Sweets are essential pocket material. Carry something sweet at all times - hell you should know this being diabetic. If you feel giddy/dizzy or feel a hypo come on DON'T PANIC, Its cool, just munch away at your chocolate bar and you'll feel fine in a few minutes.
• If you get paranoid while having a smoke, I find if you go and take a piss, or disappear for five minutes elsewhere while you straighten your head, you'll feel much better.
• If you get a panic attack (heart beating at an alarmingly fast pace for no apparent reason), practice slow breathing techniques, you will feel better if you get into a rhythm.
• It is advisable to have friends that know you are diabetic around you. 

What might happen to me (mentally & physically)

• Don't be surprised if you get hallucinations - its all part of the fun!
• Peak = 1 hour - Whole trip = 4-8 hours
• Please take acid only if you feel in high spirits before hand, this has a lot to do with whether or not you get a 'bad' trip.
• Physically I felt a bit de-hydrated at some stages (probably down to eating too many sweets though).

• Sleep patterns can be disturbed
• Regular use of Acid can cause future 'flashbacks'
• It is not advisable for diabetics to trip too often, sometimes insulin intake may be forgotten about or ignored - not a good situation.
• It is not advisable to trip regularly anyway - too much LSD can trigger mental health problem.

• Acid/LSD had no effect on my bloody sugar levels.  A lot of diabetics who take acid tend to omit their insulin intake for the trip, my advice : DON'T! Take your insulin (maybe a few less units) eat a healthy meal, and carry sweets/sugar/coke throughout the trip. I realize that the thought of a hypo while under the influence of LSD isn't very pleasant, however your insulin intake is essential in avoidance of DKA.
• While you are tripping you generally loose your appetite, a good idea is to drink sugar filled drink, such as coke/pepsi to keep your sugars up.
• It is better to have short term high blood sugar than low blood sugar, and a lot less stressful.

• Remember : Sweets are essential pocket material. Carry something sweet at all times - hell you should know this being diabetic. If you feel giddy/dizzy or feel a hypo come on DON'T PANIC, Its cool, just munch away at your chocolate bar and you'll feel fine in a few minutes.
• If you feel that your are heading into a bad trip, reassure yourself that it is the drug that is making you feel the way you do - nothing else. Just sit back and relax into it, concentrate on the things that make you happy. I found that the nicest thing to do if I felt at all bad was to think about the lyrics to 'strawberry fields' by The Beatles, bit bizarre but it worked for me.... might for you!
• If you get a panic attack (heart beating at an alarmingly fast pace for no apparent reason), practice slow breathing techniques, you will feel better if you get into a rhythm.
• It is advisable to have friends around you that know & trust, and you should always tell them that you are diabetic in case of any problems. 

What might happen to me (mentally & physically)

• Ecstacy will initially come on strong (I describe it as the type of buzz you get when listening to one of your favorite tunes times 10).
• Peak = 1/2 hour - Whole trip = 4 hours 
• You may feel nausea or dizziness, and possibly vomit, however these feeling wear off after a while.
• Once the initial 'rush' phase has worn off you are left with a feeling of warmth and 'openness'
• You may also feel more energetic, and prone to bursts of mad dancing (especially in a club environment), and repetitive movements.
• Some ecstacy pills can feel like mild 'LSD' trip, other can have a more amphetamine effect.

• Appetite suppressant
• Mild stimulant
• Believed to seriously complicate severe DKA*
• Common scenario = insulin ommission + exercise (rave) + ecstacy leading to severe dehydration, exhaustion, hyperthermia and ketoacidosis.
• Sleep patterns disturbed

• Ecstacy had no effect on my bloody sugar levels.  I have known a few diabetics who take 'E' that omit their insulin intake for the experience, my advice : DON'T! Take your insulin (maybe a few less units) eat a healthy meal, and carry sweets/sugar/coke throughout the trip. I realize that the thought of a hypo while under the influence of 'E' isn't very pleasant, however your insulin intake is essential in avoidance of DKA.
• While you are tripping you generally loose your appetite, a good idea is to drink sugar filled drink, such as coke/pepsi to keep your sugars up.
• It is better to have short term high blood sugar than low blood sugar, and a lot less stressful.

• Remember : Sweets are essential pocket material. Carry something sweet at all times - hell you should know this being diabetic. If you feel giddy/dizzy or feel a hypo come on DON'T PANIC, Its cool, just munch away at your chocolate bar and you'll feel fine in a few minutes.
• If you get a panic attack (heart beating at an alarmingly fast pace for no apparent reason), practice slow breathing techniques, you will feel better if you get into a rhythm.
• It is advisable to have friends around you that know & trust, and you should always tell them that you are diabetic in case of any problems. 

What might happen to me (mentally & physically)

• Using cocaine will give you a general feeling of well-being, and possibly false confidence.
• Peak per line = 2 mins - Whole trip = 20mins
• Can sometimes give energy and 'keep you awake' in party situations

• Sleep patterns can be disturbed
• It is not advisable for diabetics to take too much cocaine , sometimes insulin intake may be forgotten about or ignored - not a good situation.
• Cocaine and especially crack cocaine is highly addictive. Users can become psychologically and physically addicted very quickly. This is not a good situation for insulin dependant diabetics who rely on 'control' as much as possible. My advise ; be careful.

• You generally loose your appetite, a good idea is to drink sugar filled drink, such as coke/pepsi to keep your sugars up.
• It is better to have short term high blood sugar than low blood sugar, and a lot less stressful.

• Remember : Sweets are essential pocket material. Carry something sweet at all times - hell you should know this being diabetic. If you feel giddy/dizzy or feel a hypo come on DON'T PANIC, Its cool, just munch away at your chocolate bar and you'll feel fine in a few minutes.
• If you get a panic attack (heart beating at an alarmingly fast pace for no apparent reason), practice slow breathing techniques, you will feel better if you get into a rhythm.
• It is advisable to have friends around you that know & trust, and you should always tell them that you are diabetic in case of any problems. 

Well, to be honest there is none. There may be one some day, I'll certainly try my best to come up with it when it does, keep you informed on my experiences, don't worry 'bout that.. 

You may be interested to know that I work as a computer programmer in a highly reputable UK company, 9-5:30pm, mon-fri, no intention of going crazy with drugs, and certainly every intention of enjoying the time I have on this amazing planet. I have a girlfriend, enjoy socializing, releasing dance tracks, and no way is being diabetic a hindrance on my life - I'm not going to let it be... (maybe, when I'm 40 and have no legs, arms or cock, blind and mad, it will....... Joking!)...