Parties, Pints, Peer Pressure & Blood Sugar

Having Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) can sometimes feel like an extra job, especially when you’re out with mates. Whether it’s a house party, a club night or just a casual get-together, there’s always that balance between having fun and staying on top of your blood sugar.

Then there’s the peer pressure- people pushing you to drink, eat or act a certain way without understanding what diabetes actually means. It can be awkward to explain why you’re skipping the shots, checking your blood sugar or carrying snacks in your bag.

Here’s the good news: you can have an amazing time while keeping yourself safe. It’s all about knowing your limits, being prepared and handling situations with confidence.

1. Handling Peer Pressure Like a Pro

Peer pressure doesn’t always come from bad intentions. Sometimes, people just don’t get what it means to have T1D. Here’s how to deal with different situations:

If Someone Says, “Come on, just have one more drink!”

What to do: Own your decision. Say something like, “ Nah, I’m good- I know my limits.” If they keep pushing, a confident “Mate, I’d rather not end the night in A&E” usually gets the message across.

If You Don’t Want to Drink at All

What to do: Not drinking? No problem. Get a fizzy drink and carry it around- most people won’t even notice. If they ask, just say, “I’m pacing myself” or “I’ve got an early morning.” No need for a full diabetes explanation unless you want to give one.

If You Need to Check Your Blood Sugar & Feel Awkward

What to do: Own it! Most people are just curious, not judging. A simple, “I’ve got Type 1 Diabetes, I’ll enjoy myself more if I know my blood sugar isn’t about to crash!” usually works. If someone makes a big deal out of it, that’s their problem- not yours.

If You Feel Pressured to Eat Something You Don’t Want

What to do: You control what you eat, not your mates. If someone says, “Just have a slice of cake, it won’t kill you,” hit them with “I could eat it, but I’d rather not deal with the blood sugar chaos later.” End of story.

2. Staying Safe on Nights Out

Social events can be unpredictable, so a bit of planning goes a long way. Here’s how to keep things in check:

• Eat Before You Go- Drinking or partying on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. A solid meal with protein and carbs helps keep your blood sugar stable.

• Keep an Eye on Your Levels- Alcohol can make your blood sugar drop hours later, so check regularly and don’t ignore symptoms just because you’re having fun. Pace yourself and alternate with water.

• Carry Your Kit- Make sure you have your blood sugar monitor or CGM, some fast-acting sugar (Like GlucoTabs), a medical ID (bracelet, necklace or phone alert) and an insulin pen.Small bag, big lifesaver.

• Tell a Mate- At least one friend should know you have diabetes and what to do if you go low. Just a quick, “Hey, if I seem weird or out of it, tell me to check my blood sugar” can make a huge difference.

• Set a Middle of the Night Alarm- If you’ve been drinking, hypos can hit while you’re asleep. Check your blood sugar before bed and set an alarm for a 3 AM check, just to be safe.

• Plan How You’re Getting Home - Make sure you know how you’re getting home (whether it’s a lift, uber or public transport) and have some hypo snacks handy in case your blood sugar crashes on the way.

3. Drinking Alcohol with T1D

Alcohol can mess with blood sugar in ways that aren’t always obvious. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Alcohol Can Cause Late Night Hypos- Your liver prioritises processing alcohol over releasing glucose, which can lead to a delayed blood sugar crash (especially overnight).

Sugary Drinks Spike, Then Drop- Cocktails, alcopops and cider can send your blood sugar up before it crashes later. Spirits with sugar-free mixers are a better choice.

Smart Drinking Tips:

• Pace Yourself- alternate each alcoholic drink with water

• Avoid drinking on an empty stomach

• Check your blood sugar before bed (and set a 3 AM alarm for a night time check)

4. Handling Late-Night Food & Takeaways

Post-party food is a classic, but be aware of how it affects your blood sugar:

• Pizza, Chips & Kebabs = Blood Sugar Spikes- High-fat, high-carb foods digest slowly, meaning your blood sugar might stay high for hours. If you’re bolusing, consider splitting your dose (if using an insulin pump) or taking a bit now and a bit later.

• Watch Out for Sugary Drinks- Full sugar drinks can send blood sugar soaring, so if you’re thirsty, go for water or diet versions.

• Best Late Night Snack for Diabetics?- Something with carbs and protein (like a wholegrain sandwich or toast with peanut butter) can help stabilise your levels overnight.

5. Confidence is Key

You don’t need to apologise for having Type 1 diabetes. If you act like it’s no big deal, most people will follow your lead.

Quick Responses for Awkward Questions:

• “Why are you pricking your finger?” -> “Just making sure I don’t pass out on you lot.”

• “You have to count carbs?” -> “Yep, otherwise my blood sugar goes rogue.”

• “Can’t you just take a shot of insulin and be fine?” -> “It’s not that simple, but I’ve got it under control.”

If someone asks a million questions, keep it simple:

• “It’s an autoimmune thing- my pancreas doesn’t work.”

• “I can eat sugar, I just need to give myself insulin.”

Final Thoughts

Having Type 1 diabetes doesn’t mean you have to miss out on parties, nights out or fun with friends. It just means being a little more prepared.

• Stay confident

• Plan ahead

• Make sure someone’s got your back

And most importantly- have fun!