According to the CDC, 37.3 million Americans—that is about 1 in 10—have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes [1]. The metabolic disorder is also the seventh leading cause of death in the US, as it takes a toll on your health and life. Although insulin has been saving the lives of those with diabetes for a century, many Americans are looking to another substance as a source of relief: cannabidiol (CBD). But should you consider using CBD for diabetes? Here is what is currently known (and unknown) about CBD and diabetes.
The Benefits of Using CBD for Diabetes
Cannabidiol is a substance from hemp and cannabis that is thought to be more therapeutic rather than psychoactive, like THC. Both medical and scientific communities are trying to see the extent of CBD’s therapeutic effects before any definitive statements can be made. However, most of the data that has been released to the public is optimistic.
The biggest indication of CBD being beneficial is how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates homeostasis [2]. CBD enters the bloodstream and combines with receptors within the ECS, influencing the system to some degree. In people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, the ECS is usually overactive, leading to an imbalance in food and energy intake and expenditure.
CBD acting upon receptors within the endocannabinoid system may have benefits for those with diabetes.
Here is a look at the benefits research has uncovered:
Blood Sugar Control
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels become uncontrollable, usually due to insulin suppression. A CBD Diabetes study from 2016 looked at the benefits of a THC and CBD combination to assist with modulating blood glucose levels when fasting [3]. The study determined that CBD without THC may increase glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptides, the hormone needed for insulin release. There was also evidence suggesting that CBD decreased resistin, the hormone responsible for insulin resistance.
Should these findings be replicated by further studies, it will prove that CBD has an effect on the hormones that contribute to type 2 diabetes progression.
Best CBD For Diabetes
Insulin Resistance and Obesity
Type 2 diabetes is associated with weight gain and diet. Consuming large amounts of sugar, having a sedentary lifestyle, and being overweight increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes exponentially.
In a 2020 review of medical studies on obesity and phytocannabinoids, the researchers found that CBD may benefit those with type 2 diabetes in a number of ways [4]. CBD has been seen exerting an influence on hormones that contribute to insulin resistance. When CBD interacts with the CB1 receptor, it also promotes anti-obesity effects. Another study reported that CBD is also attached to eCBome receptors, some of which are responsible for regulating glucose, inflammation, and lipoprotein metabolism.
Neuropathic Pain
One of the struggles diabetics face is nerve pain, also known as neuropathy. The complication can cause pain and discomfort in the extremities. Not much research has been done in the way of nerve pain, but there are two that suggest CBD may decrease nerve pain through anti-inflammatory properties.
One animal study from 2012 conducted on rats found that CBD may increase the growth of nervous tissue and nerve cells, potentially relieving some nerve pain [5].
Another study from 2020 took a look at the effectiveness of topical CBD creams for neuropathy in human participants [6]. The 29 patients were invited to use either a product containing 250 mg CBD in 3 fluid ounces or a placebo. Halfway through the study, some in the placebo group were also given the topical CBD. The decrease in pain experienced by those in the CBD group was noted as statistically significant.
Stress and Anxiety
Managing a chronic disorder can be taxing on the mind and body. Those with diabetes are no strangers to anxiety and stress. Unfortunately, when the body releases adrenaline and cortisol—two hormones related to stress—it also makes the body produce glucagon, spiking blood glucose levels.
More and more people are turning to CBD for its potential anti-anxiety effects. There have been many studies on CBD and anxiety, including one from 2019 that showed a positive correlation between CBD use and better sleep [7]. A second 2019 study found that cannabidiol may also modulate serotonin and reverse anxious behaviors [8].
Research on Other Problems Associated with Diabetes
Those with diabetes often have other medical issues as well. Chronic pain and inflammation, high blood pressure, and sleep problems, such as restless leg syndrome and insomnia are common.
CBD may be able to help with these things. For instance, research suggests that CBD may reduce inflammation in the body, aiding those with chronic pain [9]. Recent research published in 2020 even remarked on cannabidiol’s anti-inflammatory properties protecting the pancreas, liver, and adipose tissue in mice with pre-diabetes and fatty liver disease [10].
CBD is also noted for reducing blood pressure in some studies. Research from 2017 found that even a single dose of CBD may be enough to reduce resting blood pressure and even how the body responds to stress [11]. This is beneficial to those with diabetes since lowered blood pressure reduces your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Lastly, CBD often leaves people feeling tired or drowsy [12]. For those with insomnia, this may be a boon.
Precautions for Diabetics Looking to Try CBD
Despite there being a plethora of CBD products and supplements on the market, that does not mean they are all created equally. Although hemp-derived CBD is now considered legal after the 2018 Farm Bill, the FDA does not regulate CBD. Furthermore, a study from 2017 that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 70% of CBD products are inaccurately labeled [13].
Poorly labeled products aside, there are also medication interactions and side effects to consider. In a 2017 study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, researchers found that CBD may interact with blood pressure and cholesterol prescriptions [14]. The investigation also found that CBD may cause diarrhea, somnolence, and changes in appetite.
CBD is also known to interact with any drug that comes with a grapefruit warning, meaning that it may affect liver enzymes, damaging the organ.
Therefore, if you plan on trying CBD for diabetes, the first step should be speaking with a medical professional. Your doctor will be able to discuss the options and even help you decide on a dose, should you be cleared for CBD use. After that, seek out a reputable CBD company with Certificates of Analysis on their site. That will tell you almost everything you need to know.
Get Your High-Quality CBD From Sugar Bottom Hemp
CBD is here to stay, and research continues to unearth more possibilities. Right now, there is no definitive research stating whether CBD helps with diabetes, but that does not mean you shouldn’t give CBD a try.
Sugar Bottom Hemp has a wide variety of CBD products to suit your needs, including edibles, tinctures, and creams. We take pride in our organically grown hemp and clean CBD extracts. As a guarantee of high quality, we also have our CBD analyzed by an independent, third-party lab. See what makes our products so amazing; check out our online store today. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to send us a message.
Resources
1. The Facts, Stats, and Impacts of Diabetes. (2022, January 24). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/diabetes-facts-stats.html
2. Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(3), 833. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030833
3. Jadoon, K. A., Ratcliffe, S. H., Barrett, D. A., Thomas, E. L., Stott, C., Bell, J. D., O’Sullivan, S. E., & Tan, G. D. (2016). 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, 39(10), 1777–1786. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc16-0650
4. Bielawiec, P., Harasim-Symbor, E., & Chabowski, A. (2020). Phytocannabinoids: Useful Drugs for the Treatment of Obesity? Special Focus on Cannabidiol. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00114
5. Xiong, W., Cui, T., Cheng, K., Yang, F., Chen, S. R., Willenbring, D., Guan, Y., Pan, H. L., Ren, K., Xu, Y., & Zhang, L. (2012). Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 209(6), 1121–1134. https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20120242
6. Xu, D. H., Cullen, B. D., Tang, M., & Fang, Y. (2020). The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 21(5), 390–402. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201020666191202111534
7. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041
8. De Gregorio, D., McLaughlin, R. J., Posa, L., Ochoa-Sanchez, R., Enns, J., Lopez-Canul, M., Aboud, M., Maione, S., Comai, S., & Gobbi, G. (2018). Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. Pain, 160(1), 136–150. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001386
9. Philpott, H. T., O’Brien, M., & McDougall, J. J. (2017). Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442–2451. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001052
10. Romero-Zerbo, S. Y., García-Fernández, M., Espinosa-Jiménez, V., Pozo-Morales, M., Escamilla-Sánchez, A., Sánchez-Salido, L., Lara, E., Cobo-Vuilleumier, N., Rafacho, A., Olveira, G., Rojo-Martínez, G., Gauthier, B. R., González-Mariscal, I., & Bermúdez-Silva, F. J. (2020). The Atypical Cannabinoid Abn-CBD Reduces Inflammation and Protects Liver, Pancreas, and Adipose Tissue in a Mouse Model of Prediabetes and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00103
11. Jadoon, K. A., Tan, G. D., & O’Sullivan, S. E. (2017). A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight, 2(12). https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.93760
12. Moltke, J., Hindocha, C. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. J Cannabis Res 3, 5 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
13. Bonn-Miller, M. O., Loflin, M. J. E., Thomas, B. F., Marcu, J. P., Hyke, T., & Vandrey, R. (2017). Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online. JAMA, 318(17), 1708. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.11909
14. Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
