Diabetes and illicit drug use

Illicit drug use is extremely common amongst young people including many with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Cocaine, heroin and ecstasy appear to most severely affect glycaemic control and the number of emergency hospital admissions and long‐term complications. In addition, clinic attendance is much worse in illicit drug users. Some studies suggest that the onset of diabetes may be hastened by regular use but further research is needed. Questioning patients with diabetes regarding illicit drug use and adopting a non‐judgemental approach would seem to be appropriate. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.