Can Cannabis Help Treat or Prevent Diabetes?

Diabetes is a silent killer that may not take your life, but it can make your life extremely difficult. You can no longer eat chocolates, and that’s the least of your worries with diabetes!

Unfortunately, diabetes is a complicated complication and experts are still figuring out a way to treat and prevent it. Of course, the medical industry has made drastic strides in this case, going as far as making some of the symptoms completely manageable without spending a lot of money. 

However, reliable treatment and cure are still beyond the scope of the horizon. In this case, our beloved magical cannabis plant shows some promise, as it does with many other conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and even chronic pain. 

So, can cannabis really help you if you are living with diabetes? If yes, how does it work, and what are the things you should keep in mind if you want to consume cannabis to ease your diabetic symptoms? Read on to learn more about diabetes and its relationship with cannabis. 

About Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2

In a way, carbohydrates are like fuel for your body; without them, your body will not function properly. Sure, the body can still function with ketones and fat, but carbs are crucial for your health, too. 

When you consume foods containing carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose molecules. These molecules are then transported to your cells as energy. This process is carried out by a specific organ located right behind your stomach, the pancreas. 

The pancreas in your body produces and secretes insulin, a type of hormone, as a response to glucose. This molecule acts as a gateway for glucose; this is how glucose moves out of the bloodstream and into your body’s cells. 

Typically, the entire process is what keeps your cells full of energy while regulating sugar levels in your blood. However, sometimes, things go awry, and this condition is known as diabetes. 

This is a physiological disease where your body fails to produce enough insulin and even if it does, it may not produce it correctly. This causes glucose to build up in your bloodstream and get stuck in there, which can lead to various short-term symptoms and some long-term ones. 

Common short-term symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination and thirst, but over time, the condition can worsen and lead to more severe side effects, including kidney damage and heart complications. 

Diabetes is also very common in human beings. It is estimated that over 500 million adults across the world live with diabetes, and experts project that the number will rise to almost 800 million in 2 years! Diabetes is a potentially significant global health concern. 

If you have someone living with diabetes in your home, you must have heard of two types of diabetes — Type 1 and Type 2. What exactly do these types mean? 

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is the type of diabetes that originates from your genetics, not lifestyle. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes start experiencing symptoms early in life. Since it is an autoimmune disease, it is caused when your immune system starts attacking the pancreas cells that are responsible for producing insulin. 

Over time, the immune system’s attack leaves the pancreas unable to produce insulin at all; the organ fails to respond to glucose levels in the blood. Experts don’t know what causes the human body’s immune system to assault the pancreas cells, and subsequently, type 1 diabetes also does not have a cure. 

If someone is living with type 1 diabetes, they need to regularly intake insulin to keep their blood sugar levels in check. 

Type 2 Diabetes

On the other hand, there’s type 2 diabetes. This is what affects most people who suffer from this condition; approx. 92% of diabetes patients suffer from type 2 diabetes. Like type 1 diabetes, this type can sometimes be influenced by genetic factors, but most times, it is caused due to lifestyle. 

In type 2 diabetes, the adipose or fat tissues in the body make the cells less responsive to insulin, mimicking the symptoms of lack of insulin. Hence, type 2 diabetes begins with what is known as insulin resistance, where the organics and cells, particularly the muscles, liver, and fat cells, fail to respond to insulin at all. 

Once this happens, your pancreas starts working overtime to produce more insulin so that it can store all the extra glucose in the bloodstream. This works in the beginning but eventually, the pancreas gets tired and even struggles to make insulin. 

Like type 1 diabetes, there’s no cure for type 2 diabetes, either. However, people living with type 2 diabetes do find medication, diet, insulin, and exercise to help them. 

What Does Diabetes Do to the Body?

Diabetes is all about insulin and glucose, but what makes it a potential global health crisis? The condition starts as a mere annoyance but it can significantly affect your body and lifestyle. In severe cases, it can even be detrimental to your health. 

Diabetes affects the human body in various ways, but let’s consider the symptoms in two categories: short-term and long-term or acute and chronic. 

Acute symptoms of diabetes include excess hunger, increased thirst, frequent urge to pee, unexpected weight loss, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, etc. Over time, these symptoms can worsen and other chronic symptoms may develop, including heart complications, nerve damage, eye damage, kidney damage, limb damage, hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, skin issues, and depression. 

Cannabis’ Effect on Diabetes And ECS

In recent years, especially after legalization, scientists and medical practitioners have taken a deep interest in cannabis and its various potential health benefits. It is no surprise that cannabis has become the focus of interest in various clinical studies, exploring the various benefits this herb can have for various conditions. 

While studying the plant, experts also discovered the endocannabinoid system or ECS, which somewhat made clear the pathway through which cannabis phytocannabinoids influence the human body. 

So far, experts have discovered life-changing effects of cannabis on the human body. These health benefits include relief from chronic pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, PTSD, Parkinson’s, etc. Naturally, experts want to see if this magical plant can also help people living with diabetes. 

So far, scientists have tested cannabinoids and other phytochemicals from cannabis against various conditions and diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Some have shown promise while others are pending further studies. As for diabetes, cannabis shows a lot of potential. 

However, before we get into how cannabis can help people living with diabetes, let’s take a look at what the ECS is and how it functions in the context of diabetes.

ECS’ Function in Diabetes

The endocannabinoid system in your body is often regarded as the universal regulator of the body. This system helps keep your physiological systems running efficiently, properly, and in balance. Think of the ECS as the motherboard of your human body. 

This endocannabinoid system serves many functions in your body, the primary of which is to manage the neurochemical firing in the brain. Apart from that, ECS also overlooks bone growth, energy balance, turnover of cells in the skin, and much more. 

So, what exactly is the ECS made up of? It is mostly made up of a series of receptors and specific signaling molecules that latch onto the receptors. The ECS also consists of enzymes that produce or eliminate these signaling molecules. 

The endocannabinoid receptors function as traffic controllers, managing the flow of signaling molecules that accomplish various tasks in the body, ranging from cell reproduction to hunger and much more. In fact, almost all parts of your body are functioning due to the firing of these ECS receptors. 

However, scientists also suggest that the ECS is not a fool-proof mechanical that always works; it has its own glitches and sometimes, it doesn’t work properly. This is down to various factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle, which can lead to the ECS malfunctioning. 

In fact, some recent studies suggest the clinical endocannabinoid deficiency theory, which states that dysfunctions in the ECS system can lead to various conditions, including IBS, fibromyalgia, and migraine. 

Experts also suggest that the endocannabinoid system may also play a role in various processes of the body that influence the pathophysiology of diabetes. According to experts, this is implicated in various aspects of the body, including food intake, body weight regulation, insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and imbalance of lipids. 

When the ECS is involved in such processes in the body, it may be used as a potential target to treat or prevent diabetes. Fortunately, the cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, like THC and CBD, have a structure that’s akin to the endocannabinoids in your body — they can be used to influence the ECS. 

The Relationship Between Diabetes and Cannabis

So, how exactly can cannabis help with diabetes, whether we’re talking about preventing it entirely or managing the symptoms? Unfortunately, experts don’t have the answer to it yet; studies are being conducted, but most of them are preclinical, and controlled human trials have not occurred yet. 

However, studies so far suggest that cannabis has the potential to help with diabetes. Thanks to various preclinical studies, two cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant show the most promise. Remember, cannabis has over 100 cannabinoids! 

The first cannabinoid is THCV or tetrahydrocannabivarin, which is the homolog of THC. This cannabinoid has a molecular structure that’s similar to THC, but it has 3-carbon side chains instead of the five ones present in THC.

As a result, THCV does not produce the same effects in the body. Instead, THCV is quite selective as a CB1 agonist and only produces a high with strong doses, which THC can produce even with a much milder dose. 

So far, early animal research has studied the effects of THVC on animals and how the cannabinoid impacts energy metabolism, appetite, weight loss, and type 2 diabetes management. 

On the other hand, you have CBD, which is the second most prominent cannabinoid present in cannabis. This cannabinoid shows the most promise when it comes to diabetes. Unlike THCV, this cannabinoid is non-psychoactive even in higher doses, so people living with diabetes can use this without worrying about a high or other side effects. 

One thing to know about diabetes is that inflammation also plays a role in it, and emerging studies are being conducted to study these pathways more accurately. However, preclinical studies do suggest that cannabinoids can lower the incidence of diabetes by providing neuroprotective effects or even preventing autoimmunity that can lead to type 1 diabetes. 

No substantial evidence has emerged so far, but according to a 2015 study conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, CBD’s anti-inflammatory features can influence diabetes and metabolism in the human body. 

Benefits of Cannabis for People With Diabetes

While we may not know for sure how effective cannabis can be at preventing and managing diabetes, studies and anecdotal evidence do support that cannabis can help find relief for people living with diabetes. 

For example, the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC), an advocacy group, perpetuates that cannabis can have several benefits for people living with diabetes, such as the following:

• Regulation of the sugar levels in the blood
• Decreased neuropathic pain, which is a side effect of diabetes
• Reduced blood pressure and enhanced circulation by keeping the blood vessels open
• Relief from muscle cramps 
• Reduced arterial inflammation 
• Reduced gastrointestinal pain 

It is also important to note that the AAMC also recommends caution when using cannabis to deal with diabetes. According to them, the benefits listed above can sometimes be contradictory and may not work for everyone. 

Remember, the studies are still ongoing, and substantial evidence needs to emerge before the medical industry can wholly support cannabis as a therapeutic substance for people living with diabetes. 

Here are some of the other benefits that cannabis may offer for people living with diabetes. 

Reduced Risk of Obesity 

One of the primary risk factors that can cause type 2 diabetes in humans is obesity. This is where cannabis can play a major role as some studies suggest that this plant can help you manage your weight and prevent the risk of obesity. This may reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. 

For instance, a study published in The American Journal of Medicine in 2013, studied 4,657 subjects, of which 1,975 had a history of cannabis use and 579 were active cannabis users. The study suggests that cannabinoids present in cannabis can help manipulate the metabolic processes in the body. 

The study found that active cannabis users had a waist size that was 1.5 inches smaller than those who didn’t use cannabis, on average. 

Higher Sensitivity to Insulin 

As mentioned above, your body must use insulin properly; failure to do so can lead to diabetes. Hence, if someone is afflicted with type 2 diabetes, their insulin sensitivity reduces drastically and the body becomes less responsive to it. 

Here, cannabis shows promise too. For example, the same 2013 study mentioned above states that regular use of cannabis can influence various factors that are associated with diabetes. 

The study surveyed 4,657 people living with diabetes, and it found that people who use cannabis regularly had a much lower level of fasting insulin and a decreased risk of insulin resistance compared to those who didn’t use cannabis. Scientists found that cannabis users had 16% lower insulin resistance than non-users. And the insulin resistance levels were also 17% lower. 

Another study that was conducted in 2016 found that people living with diabetes found the following benefits when using THC:

• Enhanced insulin production 
• Higher adiponectin levels — this is a protein that helps in blood sugar regulation 
• A significant decrease in fasting blood glucose 

Reduced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain 

One of the nasty side effects of diabetes is neuropathic pain, and this is where cannabis can help, too. According to a 2014 study that studied the effects of cannabis (with CBD and THC) on people living with diabetes, cannabis reduced pain and tingling feelings that are associated with neuropathic pain. 

Another 2015 study also suggests that CBD can help with inflammation that is associated with diabetes and its complications. 

Retinopathy Protection 

In severe cases of diabetes, patients can develop diabetic retinopathy that can lead to loss of vision if left untreated. This is considered the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, as per the National Eye Institute. 

Studies show that the use of cannabis, especially those high in CBD, can offer tremendous protection from loss of vision due to diabetes. 

Is Cannabis Safe to Use If You Have Diabetes?

Chances are, if someone is living with diabetes, they are already on some form of medicine or medical assistance. In this case, it is wise to understand the risks associated with using cannabis if you have diabetes. 

All the evidence mentioned above does suggest that cannabis can be a boon for those living with diabetes, but that is far from the truth for many people. Cannabis use does have some risks associated with it. 

To start with, it is important to note that cannabis often causes munchies, which can have you consuming a lot of sugar-rich food when you are high. And if your brain cells aren’t firing right, you may end up eating more sugar than you should. 

Another example that suggests why you must be cautious when using cannabis if you are diabetic is a 2020 study. This study reviewed data and suggests that cannabis can lead to poor self-management behaviors in people living with type 1 diabetes. The same study also suggests that cannabis can lead to heart attack, kidney stones, and peripheral arterial occlusion in people living with type 2 diabetes. 

As for CBD, it is often considered safe to consume. However, it may not always be the best idea if you are already using some form of medication. There have been several anecdotal reports that suggest that the use of CBD with metformin (a diabetes medicine) can cause an upset stomach. 

This brings us to some of the potential downsides of using cannabis if you are diabetic. 

For starters, cannabis can impair memory and learning in people under 25 years of age. Additionally, cannabis can also disrupt various functions, including insulin sensitivity and appetite — a bit counter-productive for those living with diabetes, isn’t it? 

Additionally, weed also brings various other risks, such as the following:

• Breathing issues
• Addiction — this can develop in 9% of adults 
• Higher heart rate 
• Interactions with medications 
• Dizziness
• Bad trip or greening out 
• Dizziness
• Motor impairment or slower reaction times 
• Withdrawal symptoms 

It is important to note that the FDA has not approved cannabis use or any of its products for treating diabetes. Plus, the cannabis industry is fairly young and a system of checks and measures is still lacking, which may otherwise ensure consistent and reliable information regarding the products. 

You must consult with your doctor before consuming cannabis or any of its products to find relief from the symptoms of diabetes. It may seem tempting to give it a go just because someone on Reddit found it helpful, but that may not always be the case. 

Summary: Can Cannabis Help Treat or Prevent Diabetes?

Cannabis is a promising little plant that is transforming the healthcare industry. Experts who opposed cannabis are now recommending cannabis as a treatment or relief for many conditions, but what about cannabis’ effect on diabetes?

Here’s the thing: diabetes is a nasty condition that affects millions of people across the world. And while it would be terrific for cannabis to be the go-to solution for this ailment, we can’t say for sure just yet. 

Studies are being conducted that do suggest that cannabis can come in handy, but how effective is it really? We don’t know yet. There needs to be more clinical and human trials before we can say for sure. 

Until then, speak to your doctor and see if cannabis can help specific symptoms that are associated with diabetes in your case. In any case, caution is always recommended.