Both scholarly research and anecdotal evidence suggest that millions of Americans affected by diabetes mellitus may find relief for painful symptoms through medical cannabis use.
How Does Diabetes Affect The Body?
Diabetes is a chronic condition which impacts the body’s ability to convert food into fuel. The disease inhibits the production or utilization of insulin, a hormone that allows cells to process blood sugar (glucose). In Type 1 diabetes, this problem is the result of an autoimmune response in the pancreas, which kills the beta cells responsible for producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the development of insulin resistance in individuals with an elevated body mass index lifestyles or a genetic predisposition. Unregulated glucose levels in patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can cause serious health complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, ketoacidosis, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.[1]
How might Cannabis Help?
Cannabis might treat the symptoms of these complications by modulating the endocannabinoid system. This system is an important part of human homeostasis which helps regulate neural networks. The chemical structure of cannabinoids like THC, THCV, and CBD allow them to interact with endogenous receptors, and this interaction produces an array of clinically useful effects. Countless diabetics already use cannabis in an effort to combat inflammation, neuropathy, retinopathy, insomnia, and high blood pressure.[1] Empirical evidence underscores the value of this treatment. Diabetic patients across the nation deserve access to all that modern medical science has to offer, including pharmaceutical grade cannabis.
Addressing Neuropathic Pain and insomnia
Since diabetes has no cure, the problems associated with it last a lifetime. Perhaps the most debilitating of these complications is neuropathy. Abnormal variations in blood glucose levels cause nerve pain in about half of the diabetic population. Conventional medicine is often unable to completely address the discomfort a patient experiences. Narcotics rarely sooth the visceral pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Opiates, and other commonly prescribed medications used to soothe neuropathic pain, interact with the human body differently than cannabis. Patients develop an unhealthy high tolerance to these medications over time. In contrast, years of consistent cannabis use generally saturate a patient’s endocannabinoid system and decreases tolerance.
Contrary to popular belief, lifelong cannabis users often find the drug stronger and more effective in their later years. This characteristic gives patients suffering from diabetes a reliable option for a number of problems.
Cannabis may help relieve the insomnia associated with neuropathy. Cannabinoids work in concert to quiet overactive nerves, decrease mental stress, relax muscle tension, and soothe restless legs. However, these analgesic and soporific qualities are not the only benefits of cannabis use. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health “found that marijuana use was associated with lower levels of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, and a smaller waist circumference.”[3] In short, the vasodilatory and neuroprotective effects of cannabis can help stabilize blood glucose levels. Specifically, THCV is helpful for glycemic control because it reduces appetite.[4] Patients should be aware of the fact that products with a high THC content can induce binge eating and impair judgment. However, with proper care, cannabis use may drastically improve a diabetic patient’s quality of life.
Types of cannabis products
Patients generally find that a combination of products is the most effective way to address their symptoms. Cannabis topicals, tinctures, and smokables work more efficiently when they interact with the endocannabinoid system together. Topicals are incredibly effective at addressing issues like tense muscles and restless legs. Dragon Balm by Ceres is a potent and cost effective topical that is difficult to keep on the shelves. Tinctures allow patients to accurately dose edible cannabis without any added sugar. The CBD Ratio series by Fairwinds Cannabis was engineered by a team of world-class physicians and chemists and is some of the highest quality tincture on the market. Smokable products work immediately to fight pain and insomnia. Washington Bud Company grows clean and organic cannabis that provides patients with a very repeatable experience. Washington Bud Co also makes infused bath salts that allow patients with nerve pain to submerge their entire body into topical solution.
Different consumption methods give patients a versatile toolbox of products that may provide relief. Cannabis allows patients with diabetes to develop a personalized plan that best suits their individual, unique needs.
By Isaiah Tubbs
Scholarly sources and references
[1]”What Is Diabetes?.” June 2020, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html.
[2]Abrams, Donald I et al, "Marijuana in the Management of Diabetes.” Natural Medicine. Vol. 6, 5, P.1 ( 2014) www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2014-05/marijuana-management-diabetes.
[3] Penner, Elizabeth et al. “The Impact of Marijuana Use on Glucose, Insulin, and Insulin Resistance among US Adults.” The American Journal of Medicine vol. 126, 7, p.583-589 (2013)
[4]Jadoon, Khalid A et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabivarin on Glycemic and Lipid Parameters in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Pilot Study.” Diabetes care vol. 39,10, p.1777-1786 (2016)