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Introduction To assess the effects of alcohol and illicit drug use in young adults (age 18–35) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on flash glucose monitor sensor glucose (SG) readings. Methods Twenty young adults with T1D were enrolled from a tertiary referral hospital outpatient department in Melbourne, Australia for a 6‐week prospective observational study using flash glucose monitoring (FGM). Glucometrics comparing substance using days (SUEDs) to those without substance use (non‐SUEDS) were analysed. The primary outcomes were the difference in mean SG values, its standard deviation and minutes/24‐h period out of range (SG 10.0 mmol/L) between matched SUEDs vs non‐SUEDs. An interaction model with the primary effect of HbA1c on SG values was also performed. Results There were no differences in the primary outcome measures between SUEDS and non‐SUEDs. However, there were differences in the regression coefficients for HbA1c and glucometrics between non‐SUEDs and SUEDs for mean SG, time out of range and time with SG > 10 mmol/L. This difference was also identified between non‐SUEDS and days of ≥40 g alcohol for mean SG. Conclusions While there was no difference between glucometrics for SUEDs and non‐SUEDs on primary outcomes, HbA1C was found to be a less reliable predictor of glucose patterns in the 24‐h period following substance use than control days. Young adults with T1D need to monitor and respond to their glucose levels following substance use and engage in harm minimisation practices irrespective of baseline glucose control., Using FGM, we found no difference in glucometrics in young adults with type 1 diabetes following days of substance use than those without. However, HbA1C values were less predictive of glucometrics on days of substance use than those without substance use. Young adults with T1D, even those with adequate glucose control, need to engage in harm reduction measures, including closer monitoring of their glucose levels, should they choose to consume alcohol or illicit drugs.

Aims Alcohol and recreational drug use is common in young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and may account for increased morbidity and mortality. This study explores the motivations and experiences unique to this population while using alcohol and recreational drugs. Methods Semi-structured interviews focusing on substance use were performed with 16 young adults aged 18–35 with T1DM who drink alcohol (at least 50 g, 5 Australian standard drinks, in a single session) and/or used recreational drugs. A qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of the interview data was performed by three clinicians with differing expertise (a psychologist, endocrinologist and addiction medicine specialist). Results A range of motivations, experiences and harm reduction strategies regarding substance use were described specific to young adults with T1DM with most aimed at mitigating the risk of hypoglycaemia. Clinicians remained the most trusted resources, however, substance use was rarely discussed at clinical encounters. Currently available information, especially for illicit drugs, was described as inadequate. Conclusions This analysis identified experiences unique to young adults with T1DM when using alcohol and other drugs. Understanding these experiences and how these young adults attempt to mitigate the risks of substance use may lead to improved clinical interactions and management strategies.

Alcohol and other recreational drug use reaches peak prevalence in young adulthood, including for those with chronic medical conditions such as type 1 diabetes. This review summarises the current literature on the patterns of substance use amongst young adults with type 1 diabetes and the mechanisms through which alcohol and recreational drugs may affect diabetes related health outcomes. These include the direct physical effect of intoxication, as well as the effects of alcohol and drugs on mental health and glucose metabolism. Evidence for increased associated mortality and morbidity is also presented, and current guidelines, management strategies and directions for further research are discussed.

Summary This paper details the case of a 77-year-old male with refractory hypoglycaemia due to inoperable metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (pNET) co-secreting insulin and gastrin. Multiple medical therapies were trialled with limited success, and we describe the complications experienced by our patient. Somatostatin analogues can ameliorate hypoglycaemia and may have tumour-stabilising effects; however, in our case resulted in paradoxical worsening of hypoglycaemia. This rendered our patient hospital dependent for glycaemic support including continuous dextrose infusion. Although this is a reported adverse effect with initiation of therapy, we describe successful initiation of short-acting octreotide as an inpatient followed by commencement of long-acting octreotide. Hypoglycaemic collapse occurred only after dose titration of long-acting octreotide. We outline the pitfalls of somatostatin analogue therapy and the mechanisms that may contribute to worsening hypoglycaemia. This rare side effect cannot be reliably predicted, necessitating close supervision and glucose monitoring during therapy. Our patient achieved disease stabilisation and gradual resolution of hypoglycaemia with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), an emerging therapeutic option for metastatic neuroendocrine tumours with high efficacy and low toxicity. We present a brief but comprehensive discussion of currently available and novel therapies for insulin secreting pNETs. Learning points Hypoglycaemia due to malignant insulin secreting pNET is frequently severe and may be life-threatening despite supportive therapies. Octreotide can ameliorate hypoglycaemia, and may have anti-proliferative and tumour-stabilising effects in malignant pNETs that are surgically unresectable. Paradoxical worsening of hypoglycaemia may occur with octreotide initiation and dose titration, necessitating close supervision and glucose monitoring. PRRT is emerging as a therapeutic option with high efficacy and low toxicity.

A 43-year-old woman underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of a 34-mm nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma with optic chiasmal compression. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak was noted and repaired with gelfoam and a duraseal (hydrogel sealant) buttressed with Nasopore. Day 4 postsurgery, she had ongoing postnasal drip, and she rapidly deteriorated with headaches, drowsiness, vomiting, and urinary incontinence. She was receiving adequate hydrocortisone replacement, serum sodium levels were normal, and CSF cultures excluded infection. Brain computed tomography (CT) showed significant pneumocephalus with mass effect (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows air in the prefrontal region (Mount Fuji sign) and cisterns (air bubble sign) on coronal sections. Initial management comprised high-flow oxygen therapy and a lumbar drain with controlled CSF release. Despite treatment, she developed Cushing’s reflex, with systemic hypertension and bradycardia, suggesting intracranial hypertension. Serial imaging demonstrated progressive tension pneumocephalus, and the lumbar drain was clamped. Repeat surgery confirmed a moderate CSF leak (Daniel Kelly system grade 2) (1), which was repaired using a fat graft. Neurological status markedly improved, and there was complete clinical recovery. Symptomatic tension pneumocephalus after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is a rare but serious complication, necessitating rapid recognition (2, 3). Conservative treatment with high-flow oxygen increases the rate of resorption of pneumocephalus (4). Early surgical repair of the CSF leak should be considered in moderate to severe cases (5). Lumbar drainage in the presence of intraoperative CSF leak and significant pneumocephalus may exacerbate the pneumocephalus by drawing in air from the nasal passages.