Did you know? Around 537 million adults suffer from diabetes worldwide, according to the IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition. If you’re one of them or care for someone who is, managing symptoms and staying up-to-date on treatment options is crucial, as ​​this condition, when untreated, can lead to serious health problems, like nerve damage or kidney failure. 

That’s where CBD could be useful! While not a replacement for traditional treatments, CBD may potentially offer relief from some diabetic symptoms, possibly improving a patient’s quality of life. 

Learn more about diabetes types and causes, what science says about how CBD could help with diabetes, and what factors to consider when buying CBD for diabetes management.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term condition that can affect people of any age. It occurs when your blood sugar level, known as glucose, is too high. This can lead to issues with your heart and arteries, nerves, kidneys, eyes, feet, skin, and dental health, among other complications. There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes

This type is typically diagnosed in children, though it can occur at any age. It involves an autoimmune response in which your body attacks the cells in your pancreas responsible for producing insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

This type is mostly diagnosed in adults and occurs when your body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond properly to it.

Diabetes Symptoms

• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Frequent yeast infections

If you suspect you might have diabetes, it is important to talk to your doctor. It is usually diagnosed through blood tests.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the more than 400 compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is non-psychoactive and is known for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

How Could CBD Potentially Help with Diabetes? – This Is What Studies Suggest

Reduces Diabetes Incidence

A study on non-obese diabetic mice showed that CBD reduced the incidence of diabetes in them. In this study, 86% of untreated mice developed diabetes, compared to only 30% of CBD-treated mice. CBD treatment also lowered the levels of chemicals like IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha that cause inflammation. 

Reduces Pancreatic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

CBD has demonstrated potential in reducing pancreatic inflammation and improving insulin resistance. Experimental results suggest that CBD can “improve pancreatic islet function, reduce pancreatic inflammation and improve insulin resistance”. 

Additionally, this study from 2012 explored how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) affects diabetes and its related complications. It also examined how CBD could work as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. However, more research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness in humans.

Improves Metabolic Dysfunction

In a 2019 study researchers examined the effects of CBD on middle-aged diabetic rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, a condition that reduces blood flow to the brain and is common in older diabetics. The study found that CBD treatment improved metabolic dysfunctions by reducing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and increasing insulinemia (insulin levels).

Suppresses Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain

Research from 2012 explored how certain non-psychoactive cannabinoids can help reduce chronic pain by affecting receptors in the spinal cord. The study suggested CBD reduced chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rodents without causing a tolerance to the pain relief. Unlike other cannabinoids, their pain-relieving effects are not related to their ability to bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors or cause psychoactive effects.

What to Consider When Buying CBD for Diabetes

• Buy from a Reliable Seller with Third-Party Testing: Ensure the product is tested for quality and purity by an independent lab.
• Check the Label: Look for the CBD concentration and other ingredients to avoid any potential allergens or harmful additives.
• Choose the Best Product for You: CBD oil is generally recommended for potential diabetes heap due to its systemic effects. For muscular inflammation, CBD salves could be effective.
• Check Dosage Information: Follow dosage guidelines to find the right amount for your needs. 

Conclusion

While research is still ongoing, CBD shows promise in managing diabetes symptoms and its complications. Its potential benefits include reducing inflammation, improving insulin resistance, and managing pain. For those considering CBD, it’s crucial to purchase high-quality products from reliable sources. If you’re interested in exploring CBD for diabetes, check out Vitality CBD’s products.

References

Horváth, B., Mukhopadhyay, P., Haskó, G., & Pacher, P. (2012). The endocannabinoid system and plant-derived cannabinoids in diabetes and diabetic complications. The American journal of pathology, 180(2), 432–442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.11.003 

Weiss L, Zeira M, Reich S, Har-Noy M, Mechoulam R, Slavin S, Gallily R. Cannabidiol lowers incidence of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. Autoimmunity. 2006 Mar;39(2):143-51. doi: 10.1080/08916930500356674. PMID: 16698671. 

Zhang, J., Lin, C., Jin, S., Wang, H., Wang, Y., Du, X., Hutchinson, M. R., Zhao, H., Fang, L., & Wang, X. (2023). The pharmacology and therapeutic role of cannabidiol in diabetes. Exploration (Beijing, China), 3(5), 20230047. https://doi.org/10.1002/EXP.20230047 

Zorzenon MRT, Santiago AN, Mori MA, Piovan S, Jansen CA, Perina Padilha ME, Ciotta SR, Cezar de Freitas Mathias P, Guimarães FS, Weffort de Oliveira RM, Milani PG, Mareze-Costa CE. Cannabidiol improves metabolic dysfunction in middle-aged diabetic rats submitted to a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Chem Biol Interact. 2019 Oct 1;312:108819. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108819. Epub 2019 Sep 6. PMID: 31499052.