Journal article 237 views 116 downloads
If you find me on the floor, stick some sugar in my mouth: The social production (and protection) of insulin risk among IPED communities
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Luke A. Turnock,
Andrew Richardson,
Timothy Piatkowski
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, Volume: 33, Issue: 1, Pages: 91 - 102
Swansea University Author:
Luke Cox
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DOI (Published version): 10.1080/09687637.2025.2481292
Abstract
IntroductionInsulin is used among image and performance enhancing drug (IPED) communities for its anabolic effects, but its use carries significant risks, with the acute danger being hypoglycaemia, which can be life-threatening if not properly managed. Within these communities, harm reduction practi...
| Published in: | Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy |
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| ISSN: | 0968-7637 1465-3370 |
| Published: |
Informa UK Limited
2026
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa70009 |
| Abstract: |
IntroductionInsulin is used among image and performance enhancing drug (IPED) communities for its anabolic effects, but its use carries significant risks, with the acute danger being hypoglycaemia, which can be life-threatening if not properly managed. Within these communities, harm reduction practices and informal peer knowledge exchange play a critical role in the way substances are consumed. This qualitative study sought to understand these community practices regarding non-medical insulin use among people who use IPEDs.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with people who use IPEDs, and specifically, insulin. Participants were asked about their risk practices, harm reduction strategies, and the community dynamics that shape their use of insulin. Our analysis centred on how social and material networks of peers, technologies, and information flows contribute to the social production and protection of risk.ResultsThe study involved an international cohort of 14 participants (13 men, 1 woman, aged 25-45, M = 33.34) who used insulin for non-medical purposes. The analysis revealed two themes: Intersecting Risks, which encompassed the physical, psychosocial, and self-imposed risks associated with insulin use, and Social Protection of Risks, focusing on community-driven harm reduction strategies. People who use insulin actively construct risk through community-driven knowledge and informal education. Social protection is facilitated through peer networks, where harm reduction strategies are shared.DiscussionThis research underscores the importance of community-care in harm reduction and challenges individualised models of risk management. It highlights the need for community-centred health interventions that recognise the relational dynamics of risk management among IPED-using communities. |
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| Keywords: |
community care; image and performance enhancing drugs; insulin; risk environment; social protection |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article. |
| Issue: |
1 |
| Start Page: |
91 |
| End Page: |
102 |