Cannabis is no less than a “magic wand” for the health care department worldwide. With every new research, the scarcely credible benefits of cannabis are exposed. It is considered as the best marijuana medicine for treating an adequate amount of diseases. The past few years’ profound experimentation and clinical trials have shown that cannabis is efficacious in treating HIV/AIDS, Glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Muscle spasms, Severe chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), etc. These positive results have drawn the attention of scientists and researchers toward cannabis. Researchers are doing their best to discover all possible health benefits. Recently, they investigated the role of cannabis in treating diabetes. They found a valuable piece of information from it, which can serve a lot of benefits to people having diabetes.
This article will help you discover the exciting details of cannabis and its role in treating diabetes.
Keep reading to know the details and recent studies about cannabis concerning diabetes.
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Now, let’s get into the use of cannabis to treat diabetes!
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that is related to the conversion of food into energy. The food which enters our body system is converted into glucose (sugar) and then released into the bloodstream. When the blood sugar level increases, it signals the pancreas to release a hormone called “insulin.” Insulin enables the blood sugar to enter the cells and then use for energy. In the case of diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin or does not make the best use of it which results in more sugar in the blood. With time, increased sugar levels (diabetes) cause other health problems such as kidney disease, heart disease, and vision loss. According to the World health organization, there are 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, and 1.5 million deaths are annually caused due to this disease [1]. The fact sheet of
WHO says that diabetes can be treated, and its consequences can be avoided by proper diet, physical activity, medication as well as treatment for complications. [2]
Diabetes Epidemic And The Need For Change
The present conditions of the world consider diabetes as the most prevalent and hard-to-treat disease. According to the disease control center, more than 100 million U.S adults are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. [3] The worldwide data suggests that the percentage of diabetes has risen from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% today. [4] The disease has not only affected the lives of people, but the cost of treating it is placing a strain on individuals and the healthcare system. The American Diabetes Association in 2007 estimated that the total cost of diagnosed diabetes was $327 billion–$90 billion of which was attributed to reduced productivity. [5]
Diabetes is a life-threatening, debilitating, and costly disease. There is a great need to prevent the disease and treat the myriad symptoms using effective solutions without inflated costs.
The Role Of CBD And THC In Diabetes
CBD and THC are the two significant elements of cannabis (cannabinoids). Studies show different results regarding their ability to treat diabetes. Let’s see them separately;
CBD
CBD is mainly tested in animal models such as mice. A study found that CBD reduces blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, decreases the extra amount of fat in the body, and increases insulin production. [6] It is effective in diabetes treatment due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [6]
THC
THC is also found effective in the treatment of diabetes. A study suggests that THC reduces blood sugar and lipid levels in people with type-2 diabetes. [7] The study Diabetes Care published in 2016 also concluded that cannabinoids’ THC significantly decreases fasting blood
glucose levels. [8]
The ability to use CBD and THC in treating diabetes reveals the need for more studies and reports. Therefore, more research should be done to make the effective use of cannabis in the treatment of diabetes.
Benefits Of Cannabis In Diabetes
Cannabis is used to treat diverse symptoms of diabetes. Various scientific studies have also shown significant results in this regard. Some of the most highlighting benefits of cannabis in diabetes symptoms are listed below;
Prevention of Nerve Inflammation
The study, an online issue of Neurology, published on September 5, 2018, in a Medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that cannabis prevents nerve inflammation by reducing connections between some areas of the brain that process emotions and sensory signals. [9]
Stabilize Blood Sugar
Cannabis helps to manage the blood sugar level by improving insulin resistance (Type 2 diabetes).
Relieve Neuropathic Pain
The research found that CBD and THC in Cannabis have the ability to reduce neuropathic pain. THC is considered best for altering pain by reducing anxiety and stress levels in a person. CBD is also regarded as beneficial in this situation due to its anti-inflammatory action. [10]
Suppress Arterial Inflammation
Cannabis plays a significant role in preventing arterial inflammation. A study suggests that CBD in Cannabis reduces inflammation in arteries and blood vessels, easing the strain on the heart and thus preventing heart failure. [11]
Improve Circulation
Cannabis effectively improves blood circulation by relaxing the blood vessels (As discussed earlier).
Lower Blood Pressure
Studies suggest that the intake of cannabis lowers blood pressure which can help deal with diabetes. [12]
Relieve Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a syndrome in which the person feels the urge to move his legs all the time. Studies have shown that cannabis help to relieve this symptom of diabetes. [12]
Relieve Gastrointestinal Disorder Pain
Cannabis is considered best for reducing inflammation in the gut through the reduction of vagal cholinergic tone. [13]
Prevent Muscle Cramps
A South Carolina University study found that the immune system’s response, such as to a muscle injury, is decreased due to the intake of cannabis. [14]
Relieve Tingling In Hands And Feets
The THC and CBD in Cannabis bind specific cannabinoid receptors in the brain and peripheral nervous system. This helps in getting rid of chronic pain, numbing, and tingling of diabetic neuropathy.
Scientific Research
According to several types of research, cannabis plays a beneficial role in decreasing the risk of developing diabetes, and especially, it proves very helpful for those suffering from the complications of this disease.
A) In 2013, a milestone study published in the American Journal of Medicine [15] concluded that:
- Cannabis compounds may help control blood sugar.
- Its users are less likely to be obese and have less BMI (body mass index) even though they seem to take in more calories.
- Pot smokers have a higher level of good cholesterol and a smaller waistline.
B) In 2014, the publication of a “summary of the promising epidemiological evidence” on marijuana in the management of diabetes in the Natural Medicine Journal [16] also concluded that cannabis use lowers the level of blood glucose, insulin resistance, BMI, and waist circumference.
C) In 2015, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, researchers studied that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, has the anti-inflammatory properties that effectively treat different illnesses, including type 2 diabetes.[17]
D) There is compelling scientific evidence that cannabis helps in treating diabetes complications, including eye diseases; as cannabis lowers the intraocular pressure (fluid pressure in the eye), which is caused by the restriction of blood flow to the eye like what happens in diabetic retinopathy.[18]
E) One of the reports published by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) stated that cannabis could have many advantages for PWDs (people with diabetes), as it contributes to lower blood pressure over time, which is vital for people with diabetes. Also, it acts as a “vasodilator” to help keep blood vessels open and improve circulation. In addition to this, it has neuroprotective” effects that help reduce the inflammation of nerves and neuropathy pain by activating receptors in the body and brain. [19]
F) According to “The Diabetes Council” [20], the relationship between cannabis and the treatment of diabetes and pre-diabetes symptoms lies in the anti-inflammatory capabilities of cannabinoids.
Best Methods For Using Cannabis To Manage Diabetes
As cannabis is getting successful in treating diabetes, marijuana doctors and patient are looking for safer and high-tech ways to use it. The more valuable ways of using it include edibles, vaporizers, tinctures and oils, sprays, suppositories, topicals, etc. Cannabis comes in various forms, from an unprocessed version – commonly known as a weed- to the oils and sprays used to infuse food or beverages. CBD oil and sprays don’t have the psychoactive effects that marijuana has. That’s why it is commonly used in medicine.
Also, one study found that CBD spray proved beneficial for some patients resistant to being treated with other traditional treatment methods as it showed improvements in its response. [21]
CBD Oil For Diabetes
Marijuana and its hemp byproducts are getting a lot of attention as a health aid as they are becoming legal and socially acceptable. Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD oil, is the essence of the cannabis plant, which is diluted with ‘carrier oil’ like hemp seed oil or coconut oil. It is taken by dropping the required quantity of oil under the tongue and holding it for a minimum of 60 seconds to allow absorption by the blood vessels under the tongue. Then, it is swallowed.
Along with its benefits, various concerns may arise while using CBD oil to manage blood sugar levels. For example, based on the uniqueness of each person’s endocannabinoid system, CBD oil can critically cause a person’s blood sugar level to rise or fall unexpectedly, especially for those who take insulin to control their sugar level.
Best Cannabis Strains For Diabetes
The effect of cannabis on diabetics is not apparent as it impacts differently on different people under different conditions. But following are some suggestions regarding the best cannabis strains based on anecdotal reports.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a good option for cannabis patients due to its high CBD and lowers THC level (5:2 ratio). Irrespective of its 75% Sativa genetic makeup, it is an ideal relaxation option for dealing with stress but still maintaining mental clarity and motivation. [22] In addition to this, as a high CBD cannabis strain, it will not produce severe psychoactive effects.
Green Crack
Green crack is famous among people with diabetes for its high energy level. It is reportedly well-known for treating fatigue, depression, and anxiety, issues associated with diabetes.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is often recommended in dispensaries for various reasons. It is the most widely used cannabis strain and a preferred choice for PWDs (people with diabetes). This cannabis strain is Sativa dominant hybrid. Hence, it aids in lowering stress levels, depression, and headache, conditions often associated with diabetes. For more information about Blue Dream strain visit our post on it – Blue Dream Strain
Doug’s Varin
While Doug’s Varin is relatively tough to find, it is said to be a good choice for people with diabetes due to its high level of THCV. In a study of 62 diabetic patients [23], it was found that THCV treatment is associated with improved fasting insulin levels and reduced blood glucose. The combination of THCV and THC present in Doug’s Varin is ideal for achieving a high that is both medicinal and satisfying.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic [5] has a high quantity of CBD at 6-17%, which has increased its healing properties, making it extremely popular.It hardly contains more than 6% THC, which is preferable for not having psychoactive effects. It assists patients suffering from diabetes, anxiety, chronic pain, and muscle spasms.
If you would like to find out more about all the major popular strains, check out our post – Weed Strains
Warnings
Never self-medicate with cannabis to treat diabetes without consulting the physician first because it is hard to be sure that all CBD products are what they claim of; even the label looks official like THC has been found in some CBD products. Also, there is no guarantee that the quantity of CBD in the product is the same as described on the label.
Conclusion of Cannabis To Treat Diabetes
Cannabis cannot be treated as a cure-all, but it can be considered a potentially safer and cheaper way to treat diabetes. The ability of cannabis as a treatment for diabetes and the promising initial scientific findings certainly requires further study into the correlation to make it more beneficial. In addition to this, it can be said that cannabis has both advantages and disadvantages to use. To ensure its benefits to overcome, one must consult their physician before trying to cure diabetes.
Thank you for reading about Cannabis to treat diabetes. We have many more articles that explain how cannabis can help with many illnesses written by medical doctors. Check those out in our blog section.
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