Using Medical Marijuana To Treat Diabetes Type 1 and 2

The human body produces a class of chemicals called endocannabinoids as it responds to changes in various physiological systems. These chemicals interact with cannabinoid receptors on the surface of cells throughout the body. This system is known as the human endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS helps to regulate appetite, mood, pain, metabolism, blood flow, inflammatory response, immune response, and many other important functions. 

Cannabis contains compounds called phytocannabinoids which mimic the effects of our own natural cannabinoids to some extent. The most common phytocannabinoids found in marijuana are THC and CBD. While THC has intoxicating effects, CBD does not. Marijuana also produces other less common but just as beneficial cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN as well as an additional family of active compounds known as terpenes. Cannabinoids and terpenes can also work together to provide additional benefits. This is known as the entourage effect.

Cannabinoids have been shown to help control blood sugar and metabolism and also to affect the performance of the liver. In fact, Joseph S. Alpert, M.D., editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Medicine, and author of a research paper titled, “The Impact of Marijuana Use on Glucose, Insulin, and Insulin Resistance among US Adults,” writes:

“Of the participants in our study sample, 579 were current marijuana users and 1975 were past users. In multivariable adjusted models, current marijuana use was associated with 16% lower fasting insulin levels and 17% lower HOMA-IR (insulin resistance). We found significant associations between marijuana use and smaller waist circumferences.”

Studies have also shown that cannabinoids increase nerve growth factor, which may help to relieve neuropathic pain. Cannabis’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can also help in this fight. (A list of studies can be found at the end of this article.)

Studies have also shown that cannabinoids help to reduce pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. One study showed that cannabinoids help to reduce proteins that trigger nerve damage in diabetic mice. 

In another study involving 234 human subjects suffering from peripheral neuropathic pain more than half of the participants reported drastically reduced pain levels after supplementing with cannabinoids regularly for 10 months.

Diabetic retinopathy is another symptom of diabetes. It is a major cause of blindness. Research has shown that cannabinoids reduce neurotoxicity and inflammation caused by high blood sugar levels. This decreases retinal inflammation and protects blood vessels in the retina from swelling or leaking.

Depression is another common complaint among diabetics. Cannabinoids have also been shown to be effective at improving mood and easing depression.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cannabinoids make them effective in mitigating diabetes complications. Lab testing on mice suffering from Type I diabetes has shown that CBD, in particular, can delay inflammation associated with diabetes helping to delay the onset of Type 2. 

Another study published in the American Journal of Medicine concluded that CBD use was associated with lower levels of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in rats as well as lower body fat levels.