Marijuana and diabetes: Benefits, risks, and legality

Marijuana and diabetes: Benefits, risks, and legality

Medical marijuana use has steadily increased. Healthcare providers are trying to better understand the effects of medical marijuana on their patients. These findings have led to interesting research on the potential benefits of medical marijuana in managing symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Benefits

There are some research studies that suggest marijuana can be used to treat diabetes. It is still unclear what the effects of cannabis on diabetes may be so it is important to discuss marijuana use with your doctor.

How to manage blood sugar

Marijuana could be used to manage your blood sugar and may even help you to avoid type 2 diabetes.

Some studies have shown that marijuana can increase insulin sensitivity. 

Although some research has shown promise about cannabis' effects on blood sugar control, not enough evidence is available to prove its effectiveness.

Researchers also discovered a higher risk of higher hemoglobin levels in A1C tests, which measure the average blood glucose levels for the past three months. This risk was linked to swings in blood sugar levels that cause more frequent highs or lows. 

How to Manage Weight

You may also find that marijuana can help you manage your weight.

The waist circumference is a risk factor for diabetes. It is used to determine how much fat is stored around the abdomen.

One study showed that recreational marijuana use is associated with a smaller waist circumference. 1 This could lower insulin resistance and increase the likelihood of developing diabetes.

Weight Gain and Marijuana

Some people may experience weight gain from marijuana use. This is because of the fact that it can cause an increase in food cravings. These cravings often lead to high-calorie and carbohydrate foods.

Managing Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage in the legs and arms.

Cannabis may be able to relieve nerve pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 3

4 One study showed that marijuana use can provide short-term pain relief for patients who are resistant to other treatments.

Other Diabetes-Related Diseases

Diabetes can also lead to increased risk of kidney disease and heart disease. These risks may be increased by recreational cannabis use, according to a study. Researchers found that there were increased risks in:

• Peripheral arterial disease
• Heart attack
• Kidney disease

But, cannabis could help with diabetic retina--a condition that causes vision loss and damage to the eyes--which can cause blindness. A study in animals showed that cannabis could protect against diabetic retinopathy. 

The reduced risk is likely due to lower inflammation and oxidative stresses. These effects are still being studied in humans.

There are other forms of cannabis

There are many forms of cannabis, including the raw version often called weed and oils that can be used in food and beverages.

CBD oil is extracted directly from cannabis plants. It does not have the same strong psychoactive effects as marijuana and is often used for medicinal purposes.

CBD oil and sprays may also be able to treat some complications of diabetes. CBD oils and sprays may also be able to help with some of the complications of diabetes.

Side effects of cannabis

There are many ways that cannabis can impact your mental and physical health.

Potential side effects of marijuana use

• Substance abuse can cause impaired short-term memory, altered judgment and poor short-term memory.
• Under the influence of alcohol, impaired coordination can lead to poor driving skills and an increased risk of injury.
• Paranoia, psychosis
• Risk for addiction

These are some possible health benefits:

• You will feel less pain
• A decrease in anxiety
• Better sleep

Interactions and Warnings

You should not use cannabis to increase the effectiveness of diabetes medication.

You may have difficulty managing your diabetes if you are in an altered state of mind due to marijuana. You might:

• Do not forget to test your blood sugar levels
• Do not dose medications incorrectly
• Do not forget to take your medication

You should always have someone to help you monitor your blood sugar and administer medications in such situations.

Marijuana is not legal everywhere

Some forms of cannabis may not be legal in all states. To ensure legal cannabis use in your state, you should research the laws of your state.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic Ketoacidosis can be a serious condition that causes the body to stop using glucose for energy. This can lead to blood acids and ketones being formed.

Diabetic ketoacidosis can be more common in type 1 diabetics who don't take their medication properly. However, it can also happen to type 2 diabetics.

These are the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Frequent urination and excessive thirst
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Confusion
• Coma

One study showed that recreational marjijuana usage doubled the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in people with type 1 diabetes.

This could be due to poor diabetes management, such as increased consumption of high-carb food and forgetting to take medication.

A Final word

Talk to your doctor if you're considering cannabis for diabetes management. They can explain how cannabis could interact with your medication and the risks.

You should get a prescription to use medical marijuana if you decide to try cannabis. There are risks associated with street cannabis such as the inability to know the strength or the possibility of contamination.