| | | This is from: Wed 19 April 2017
Can marijuana help people with diabetes?
Last reviewed Wed 19 April 2017
By Jayne Leonard
Reviewed by Natalie Olsen, RD, LD, ACSM EP-C
Marijuana has been used medicinally for thousands of years, although many people use it as a recreational drug too. Research now indicates marijuana may have medicinal properties that can provide benefits for diabetes, as well as other health conditions.After alcohol, marijuana (also known as cannabis) is the most commonly used drug in the world. The United Nations World Drug Report 2016 estimate there are 182.5 million users globally.
This article explores the medicinal properties of marijuana and how its use might benefit people with diabetes. It also examines the potential downsides of using marijuana for people who have diabetes and what the legal status of the drug is.
Contents of this article:
Medicinal properties of marijuana Benefits of marijuana for diabetes Disadvantages of marijuana for diabetes Topical CBD hemp oil and diabetes Legal status
Medicinal properties of marijuana
Cannabinoids found in marijuana may affect memory, mood, pain, and coordination.
Compounds in marijuana are believed to be responsible for the health benefits associated with the plant. These are called cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids interact with receptors found in the central nervous system of the body. This can affect a number of processes such as:
moodpainmemorycoordinationappetiteOf all the cannabinoids in marijuana, THC and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most commonly studied.
THC is the main psychoactive component in cannabis, producing the "high" associated with the drug. CBD is not considered psychoactive, but has a number of medicinal uses. As such, it is of interest to those considering marijuana for medical use.
Medical marijuana and synthetic drugsThe term "medical marijuana" means the use of the whole, unprocessed cannabis plant (or extracts from it) to treat certain health conditions.
It should be noted that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved marijuana as a safe and effective drug for any condition. The FDA has, however, approved the following medications containing synthetic versions of THC:
dronabinol (Marinol)nabilone (Cesamet)Clinical trials are also being conducted on CBD-containing drugs, some of which are already approved in Europe.
Benefits of marijuana for diabetesSeveral studies have highlighted a number of benefits of marijuana use for those with diabetes.
A 2005 paper, published by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC), suggests that marijuana may be used by people with diabetes to:
stabilize blood sugar levelslower arterial inflammationreduce neuropathic pain, the most common complication of diabeteslower blood pressure over timeimprove circulationrelieve muscle crampsreduce gastrointestinal pain and crampingThis research has been built upon in more recent years, and other benefits have been associated with marijuana use, including:
Smaller waist size and less risk of obesity
A person may develop type 2 diabetes if they are overweight and studies suggest marijuana use may be associated with smaller waist size.
Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risk factors in the development of type 2 diabetes. According to Diabetes UK, obesitymay account for 80 to 85 percent of the risk of developing the condition.
Studies show that marijuana may help reduce the risk of diabetes.
For example, researchers in a 2013 study of 4657 people, including 579 current marijuana users and 1975 past users, found that marijuana use was associated with a smaller waist size. On average, regular users had waists that were 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) slimmer than people who had smoked marijuana in the past, or those who never did.
This backs up previous research, which indicates that obesity occurs less often among cannabis users than in non-users.
Increased insulin sensitivityBeing able to use insulin effectively is vital for health. However, those with type 2 diabetes are less sensitive (more resistant) to the effects of insulin in the body.
Research has shown that marijuana users may have increased insulin sensitivity. In the study of 4657 people mentioned above, it was found that the fasting insulin levels of users were 16 percent lower than former users and non-users. Their levels of insulin resistance was also 17 percent lower.
A 2015 study of people with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes indicates that a form of THC:
significantly decreased fasting blood glucoseimproved the production of insulinraised levels of adiponectin (protein that regulates blood sugar)Anti-inflammatory properties Inflammation is believed to play a role in the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
Some 2015 research, suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can treat the inflammation contributing to diabetes, and associated complications.
Protection against retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss for those with diabetes. According to the National Eye Institute, it is also the most common cause of blindness for adults of working age.
The results of some research carried out on animals suggests that 1 to 4 weeks of CBD treatment provided 'significant protection' from diabetic retinopathy.
Neuropathy treatment Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. It is a form of nerve damage that occurs most often in the legs and feet, but also in other parts of the body. Neuropathy can be extremely painful, and even fatal in some cases.
A 2015 study on people with neuropathic foot pain suggests that inhaling cannabis can provide relief from diabetic neuropathic pain for several hours. Researchers found that the higher the dose of THC administered, the greater the pain relief.
Disadvantages of marijuana for diabetesMarijuana use for people with diabetes may have several benefits but there are also disadvantages. These include hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hypogylcemia (low blood sugar) and number of other considerations.
High blood sugar
The main disadvantage of using cannabis for diabetes is related to an increased appetite. This is often experienced by users and is commonly known as "the munchies". This may lead people to crave and eat large amounts of carbohydrates.
This can be an issue for those with diabetes as carbohydrates cause blood sugar to rise rapidly. Severely elevated blood sugar levels may result in a medical emergency.
Low blood sugarAbnormally low blood sugar levels can also be dangerous for those with diabetes.
Low sugar levels is caused by too much insulin and not enough glucose in the blood. Symptoms include:
shakingsweatingrapid heartbeatconfusionThere are some concerns that marijuana users may not notice their blood sugar levels have dropped when intoxicated. It is also a worry that they may attribute symptoms of low blood sugar to the drug use.
Other disadvantages and risks of marijuana use
Side effects of marijuana use may include an increased heart rate, dizziness, and impaired concentration.
Other potential undesirable side effects of marijuana use include:
addiction (may occur in 9 percent of adults who use marijuana)increased heart rateinteractions with prescription or over-the-counter medicationsbreathing issuesdizzinesswithdrawal symptomsdelayed reaction timesimpaired concentration and memory
Topical CBD hemp oil and diabetesThe AAMC advises the use of topical marijuana treatments made with aloe vera or other oils. People can apply these directly to their hands and feet to reduce the pain and tingling sensations associated with diabetic neuropathy.
A variety of CBD and hemp oils, lotions, and balms are available to buy. As they are generally made with CBD, rather than THC, these products are non-psychoactive.
Legal statusIn the United States, marijuana is illegal under federal law. However, as of April 2017, 28 stateshave passed laws to decriminalize its use for specific medical conditions. A doctor's prescription is required in these cases.
Recreational marijuana use is legal without prescription in the following eight states, plus Washington D.C.:
AlaskaCaliforniaColoradoMaineMassachusettsNevadaOregonWashington
Everything you need to know about CBD oilCBD oil has a range of possible benefits, including reducing pain and inflammation. Evidence shows that CBD oil does not contain any psychoactive properties, so it does not cause the same effects as marijuana. Find out more about CBD oil; its uses, benefits, risks, how to take it, and whether it is legal in your state.READ NOW
Cannabinoids and chemotherapy in combination kill cancer cellsCertain chemicals in cannabis have a potent leukemia-fighting prowess. New research shows that the key to killing cancer is the combination and order.READ NOW
Can cannabis help treat psoriasis?Can the active cannabinoids in cannabis be an effective treatment for itchy and painful psoriasis? We look at the evidence in this article.READ NOW
Can type 2 diabetes become insulin dependent diabetes?It is sometimes thought that people with type 2 diabetes may develop type 1. Learn why some people with type 2 diabetes may be called insulin dependent.READ NOW
Does CBD oil work for chronic pain management?CBD oil has become popular for pain treatment. We look at how it works, how it is used, and the benefits and risks of using CBD oil for pain management.READ NOW
Cannabis: Brain alterations may explain feelings of alienationNew research examines the effects of heavy cannabis use on brain activity, behavior, and feelings of negative emotionality such as alienation.READ NOW
DIABETES
ALCOHOL / ADDICTION / ILLEGAL DRUGS COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE / ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE SMOKING / QUIT SMOKING
Additional information
Article last reviewed by Wed 19 April 2017.
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