Treating Diabetes With Cannabis?
I am still grinning. Can you see me? Over 10 years back in 2005, we published a brief post here at the ‘Mine about how cannabis (yep: pot, grass, weed, ganja...) can be used to treat diabetes. Really, completely legit! And people have been flocking here ever since to learn more. Now, at the kickoff of 2016, we’re updating that post with a bunch more detail. Seriously, there is a growing body of research (OK, much of it in animals) showing that cannabis can have a number of positive effects on diabetes. It begins with that original 2005 research paper that we highlighted from the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC), which purported that cannabis can have the following benefits for PWDs (people with diabetes): stabilizing blood sugars (confirmed via "a large body of anecdotal evidence building among diabetes sufferers") anti-inflammatory action that may help quell some of the arterial inflammation common in diabetes "neuroprotective" effects that help thwart inflammation of nerves and reduce the pain of neuropathy by activating receptors in the body and brain "anti-spasmodic agents" help relieve muscle cramps and the pain of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders acts as a "vasodilator" to help keep blood vessels open and improve circulation contributes to lower blood pressure over time, which is vital for diabetics substituting cannabis butter and oil in foods "benefits cardiac and arterial health in general" it can also be used to make topical creams to relieve neuropathic pain and tingling in hands and feet helps calm diabetic "restless leg syndrome" (RLS), so the patient can sleep better: "it is recommended that patients use a vaporizer or smoked cannabis to aid in falling asleep" Evidence for all of this still stands, and has in fact been corroborated and buil Continue reading >>
Top 5 Benefits Of Cannabis For Diabetes
Diabetes is the term for a group of related metabolic disorders characterized by prolonged high blood glucose levels. Diabetes affects almost 400 million people worldwide, resulting in up to five million deaths per year--and its prevalence is rising. Substantial evidence indicates that cannabis may prevent and treat the disease. Diabetes is the term for a group of related metabolic disorders characterized by prolonged high blood glucose levels. Diabetes affects almost 400 million people worldwide, resulting in up to five million deaths per year–and its prevalence is rising. Substantial evidence indicates that cannabis may prevent and treat the disease. Preventative Diabetes is associated with high levels of fasting insulin and insulin resistance, as well as low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In 2013, the results of a five-year study into the effects of cannabis on fasting insulin and insulin resistance were published in the American Journal of Medicine. Of the 4,657 respondents, 2,554 had used cannabis in their lifetime (579 were current users and 1,975 were past users) and 2,103 had never used the drug. The researchers found that current users of cannabis had 16% lower fasting insulin levels than respondents who had never used cannabis, as well as having 17% lower levels of insulin resistance and higher levels of HDL-C. Respondents who had used cannabis in their lifetime but were not current users showed similar but less pronounced associations, indicating that the protective effect of cannabis fades with time. The researchers also ran analyses on the data that excluded individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Even after excluding diabetics, current cannabis users were found to exhibit reduced fasting insulin and insulin resistance levels, indica Continue reading >>
Cannabis And Diabetes
Tweet Cannabis, or marijuana, is a drug derived from the cannabis plant that is used for recreational use, medicinal purposes and religious or spiritual rites. Cannabis plants produce a unique family of compounds called cannabinoids. Of these, the major psychoactive (brain function-affecting) compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marijuana contains high levels of THC, as well as other psychoactive chemicals, which produce the 'high' users feel when inhaling or ingesting it. History of cannabis Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years, with the earliest record of its use dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. It is indigenous to Central and South Asia, and is believed to of been used by many ancient civilizations, particularly as a form of medicine or herbal therapy. Cannabis drug class Laws regarding the production, possession, use and sale of cannabis came into effect in the early 20th century. But despite being illegal in most countries, including the UK, its use as a recreational drug is still very common. In fact it is the most used illicit drug in the world, according to the United Nations, with approximately 22.5 million adults across the globe estimated to use marijuana on a daily basis. Legal status In the UK, cannabis is categorized as a Class B drug under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act. Individuals caught in possession of these drugs are therefore given more lenient punishment - often confiscation and a 'cannabis warning' for small amounts. Effects of cannabis Cannabis causes a number of noticeable but mild (in comparison with other recreational drugs) physical and mental effects. These include: Increased pulse rate Increased appetite Bloodshot eyes Light-headiness Occasional dizzy spells Problems with memory, concentration, perception and coordina Continue reading >>
How Cannabis May Help Treat Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. Obesity is a massive risk factor associated with the condition. Certain molecules within the cannabis plant may work effectively in preventing and even treating the condition. Cannabis has been used as an herbal medicine within cultures for thousands of years. After a brief and corrupt period of prohibition, the herb is once again reaching its well-deserved status as a truly healing medicine. Modern science continues to observe the plant in detail and has so far discovered that many of the constituents within, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, have the ability to improve human health and treat certain diseases and conditions. On top of the plant's effectiveness, it is also extremely safe and there are no deaths attributed to toxicity. The list of diseases and ailments that cannabis is proving to be effective for is becoming extremely long. One of these diseases is diabetes. Let’s explore the risk factors and causes of the condition, before looking into the possible therapeutic effects that cannabis has to offer. TYPES AND STATISTICS There are two separate types of diabetes. Type 1 is a genetic disorder in which people’s bodies cannot produce insulin, a peptide hormone responsible for controlling blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is far more common and occurs when a person’s body cannot produce enough insulin, or the insulin that is produced is not working efficiently. A report from the American Diabetes Association detailed the prevalence of the disease during 2015 within the United States. It was found that 30.3 million Americans, or 9.4% of the population, had diabetes. Of this population, approximately 1.23 million American adults and children had type 1 diab Continue reading >>
![5 Best Marijuana Strains For Diabetes [2018 Update]](https://diabetestalk.net/images/DlcfDqSqWPNMfJvW.jpg)
5 Best Marijuana Strains For Diabetes [2018 Update]
The first thing that came to mind when writing this article was “Can a diabetic smoke marijuana?”. By that, we don’t mean “can,” as obviously you can, but rather is smoking cannabis a good idea for a type 1 or 2 diabetics. At first, you might think that the immediate answer is NO, especially as marijuana tends to bring on the munchies which aren’t good for diabetics. But when examining recent studies, findings are painting an entirely different picture. Ok, before we get down to business and reveal to you the best marijuana strains that can assist with diabetes, let’s understand what diabetes is. What is Diabetes? It was recently estimated that 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. Approximately 1.25 million children and adults have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. What’s astonishing is that on a global scale 415 million adults have diabetes, which is 1 in 11 adults and by 2040, it is expected that 642 million adults are will have diabetes. Diabetes is classed as a number of diseases that involve problems with the hormone; Insulin. Normally, when you eat, the pancreas, the organ behind the stomach, release insulin into your body to help store and use the sugar from the food. With those that have diabetes, the pancreas does not function properly and either produces very little insulin or none at all. Why is Insulin so Important? You could say that Insulin is the guardian of the body. Your body is made up of millions of cells all of which need energy to survive. That energy (sugar) is broken down from the food we consume. The medical name is called “Glucose.” Once broken down, the Glucose is transferred through the bloodstream to different cells in your body where it provides energy to those cells. The “distributor” is Insulin. Insulin, w Continue reading >>
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by defects in insulin secretion resulting in hyperglycemia (an abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood). There are two primary types of diabetes. Individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile diabetes) are incapable of producing pancreatic insulin and must rely on insulin medication for survival. Individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (also known as adult onset diabetes) produce inadequate amounts of insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a less serious condition that typically is controlled by diet. Over time, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, hardening of the arteries and death. The disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer. Preclinical and observational studies indicate that cannabinoids are inversely associated with diabetes,[1] may modify disease progression, and that they also may provide symptomatic relief to those suffering from the disease.[2-3] A 2006 study published in the journal Autoimmunity reported that injections of 5 mg per day of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD significantly reduced the incidence of diabetes in mice. Investigators reported that 86 percent of untreated control mice in the study developed diabetes. By contrast, only 30 percent of CBD-treated mice developed the disease.[4] In a separate experiment by this same research team, investigators reported that control mice all developed diabetes at a median of 17 weeks (range 15-20 weeks), while a majority (60 percent) of CBD-treated mice remained diabetes-free at 26 weeks.[5] A 2013 study assessing the effect of THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) in genetically modified obese mice reported that the cannabinoid's administra Continue reading >>
Can Marijuana Improve Blood Sugars In Type 2 Diabetes?
Doctors visits, blood tests and more medications. This is the norm when you’re living with type 2 diabetes. Life becomes a new routine of pricking your finger, worrying if the food you ate is going to spike your sugars and becoming nervous at every little tingle in your fingers and toes. You have to deal with conflicting advice about what you should and shouldn’t eat (hint: diabetic foods are definitely not a good choice). Is it any wonder that there is a higher risk of depression for type 2 diabetics. What if there was a natural solution that might help your mood and your blood sugar control? What are Cannabinoids? This plant goes by so many names, marijuana, maryjane, weed and is the most widely used illicit drug worldwide. What you might not know is that cannabis has a wide range of medicinal benefits. To understand the medicinal uses of cannabis we first need to look at how it works in the body. Our body has it’s own cannabinoid receptors, called the Endocannabinoid system. The system helps regulate a number of processes including appetite, memory, mood, pain, metabolism, blood flow and cell immunity. The active ingredients in cannabis are called cannabinoids, they can act on the endocannabinoid system which is where the medical benefits come from. Cannabis contains around 80 different cannabinoids most of which have not been widely researched as yet. The most well known cannabinoid contained in cannabis is THC. Cannabis: the old kid on the block Actually, humans have been cultivating and using hemp (the plant the cannabis comes from) for over 10,000 years. Evidence shows it is the first agricultural crop our ancestors farmed. Cannabis has also been used medicinally for nearly as long, with Queen Victoria using it regularly. It is the THC component of cannabis Continue reading >>
3 Facts About Cannabis, Obesity, And Diabetes
When we picture the stereotypical cannabis consumer, we don’t tend to picture health, fitness, and a trim waistline. Yet, a number of new studies are finding that cannabis users are less likely to be obese—seemingly regardless of how much Domino’s pizza you order while marathon-watching Cosmos. Before you get too excited, consuming cannabis probably isn’t the best weight loss plan. However, new studies are finding that cannabis may be key to controlling diabetes. We’ve known for a decade that Type 2 diabetes and obesity go hand in hand, and now multiple studies have found a correlation between cannabis, weight control, and potential diabetes treatments. Given that an estimated 25.8 million people have diabetes in the United States, and another 79 million people are thought to be pre-diabetic, we thought we’d give patients the low-down on the current conversations surrounding this miracle plant and your health. Here are three things you should know about cannabis, obesity, and diabetes: Cannabis Consumers Weigh Less An examination of two studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has found that, on average, cannabis consumers are less likely to be overweight. While it may be hard to believe, people who consume cannabis at least three times a week have cut their chances of being obese by one third. In fact, the prevalence of obesity was significantly lower in cannabis consumers than in non-consumers. For example, the first study reviewed in the journal found that cannabis consumers had a 16.1% obesity rate compared to 22.0% in non-consumers. The second study findings were 17.2% vs. 25.3%. Cannabis Affects the Way You Metabolize Carbohydrates Last May, CNN discussed the recent developments of cannabis and diabetes research. In his discussion of t Continue reading >>
Asknadia: Can I Use Marijuana To Lower My Blood Sugar
Dear Nadia, Is marijuana used to lower high blood sugar? if so, does this mean I have to refrain from the munchies to get the benefits? Leah Dear Leah: The new Marijuana industry is still at its infancy in terms of its medicinal applications. Institutional investors are flocking at financial conferences to see how they can benefit from investing in this up and coming industry. There is some research that demonstrates, Marijuana, also known as Cannabis Sativa, does have some medicinal properties for people living diabetes. The American Journal of Medicine reports on a study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted with 4,657 women and men from 2005 to 2010. The results concluded that people with diabetes experienced less insulin resistance and lower blood sugar readings. The results are considered statistically significant. The Munchies and THC A group of neuroscientists at the University of Bordeaux, conducted a study with mice and found that the THC in marijuana is what enhances the mice’s brain to smell food creating a desire to eat more. This occurs through the receptors of the brain, where the dopamine and ghrelin receptors, regulate the pathways for mood, feeling of joy, pain and hunger. There are different marijuana strains that have higher cannabinoids and less THC. The assumption is less THC will not stimulate the ghrelin receptors, thereby reducing the desire to eat. Some people that take insulin experience stomach issues and are unable to eat. They welcome the munchies because it allows them to have some appetite. To avoid drug interactions, it’s extremely important to tell your healthcare professional if you have decided to add Cannabis in your therapy mix. You might be interested in reading these articles that were wri Continue reading >>
Cannabis Oil For Diabetes? The Positive Effects Of Cbd On Insulin And Metabolism
Five-year study shows CBD oil helps treat diabetes With CBD use on the rise, many doctors are questioning whether they should prescribe the plant compound for diabetes to help patients cope with the symptoms and even fight the disease itself. Dr. Allan Frankel, an M.D. with Greenbridge Medical, wrote on OCCNewspaper recently about the experiences and successes he’s had treating his diabetes patients with CBD oil, concluding that it can help with both the treatment of the disease itself, as well as aiding the day to day management of diabetes related symptoms like inflammation and joint pain. “For certain, it is worth a try.” CBD Oil For Diabetes: What Do Patients Say? We spoke to Pete Jarlett, a diabetes patient to get a personal view on how CBD oil for diabetes can be beneficial. He has been treating his diabetes with a combination of a Ketogenic diet (healthy fats) and CBD oil, on the advice of Dr. Joseph McCall and HoneyColony cofounder Maryam Henein. “Overall, I feel a million times better, but everyone has to make their own decision. I feel strong and I’m getting my energy back.” Jarlett even enjoys cooking with CBD oil although temperature is important to consider to not destroy the healing properties. “You can even elevate the CBD oil at the pinnacle with other oils. Once you can work it into your diet it can be so easy.” Diabetes: Relentless Rise Diabetes refers to the group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels; almost 400 million people worldwide suffer from either type one or type two diabetes and it kills up to 5 million people every year. Type one diabetes is caused by an autoimmune attack on the islet cells in the pancreas (which produce insulin), while type two diabetes develops as a result of defective insulin Continue reading >>
Marijuana: The Next Diabetes Drug?
Toking up may help marijuana users to stay slim and lower their risk of developing diabetes, according to the latest study, which suggests that cannabis compounds may help in controlling blood sugar. Although marijuana has a well-deserved reputation for increasing appetite via what stoners call “the munchies,” the new research, which was published in the American Journal of Medicine, is not the first to find that the drug has a two-faced relationship to weight. Three prior studies have shown that marijuana users are less likely to be obese, have a lower risk for diabetes and have lower body-mass-index measurements. And these trends occurred despite the fact that they seemed to take in more calories. Why? “The most important finding is that current users of marijuana appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers,” says Murray Mittleman, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the lead author of the study. “Their fasting insulin levels were lower, and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced by their body to maintain a normal blood-sugar level.” The research included over 4,600 men and women participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2010. Among them, 48% had smoked marijuana at least once in their lives, and 12% were current cannabis smokers. The authors controlled for other factors like age, sex, income, alcohol use, cigarette smoking and physical activity that could also affect diabetes risk. Even after these adjustments, the current marijuana users showed fasting insulin levels that were 16% lower than those of former or never users, along with a 17% reduction in another measure of insulin resistance as well. Higher levels on both tests are associated wit Continue reading >>
Marijuana And Type 1 Diabetes
Warning: Content within discusses drugs that are illegal in some jurisdictions. Beyond Type 1 in no way encourages illegal activity and would like to remind its readers that marijuana usage continues to be an offense under US federal law. From Cheech and Chong to Nancy Botwin on Weeds, marijuana has had its share of the spotlight over the years. Legislative consensus is “half baked” with 28 states having legalized medical marijuana (eight of which legalized it for recreational purposes, ages 21+). That means in more than half the states in the US, you can use pot medicinally. Legal or not, depending on where you live and what your ailment or aim is, it doesn’t mean “everybody must get stoned.” It does mean though, if you’re going to “puff the magic dragon,” you should know a few things first. Like dude…what about marijuana and Type 1 diabetes? These are the must-knows and things to consider when it comes to ganja. What’s the law? Find out where it’s legal in the US according to CNN. What are the side effects of marijuana? Like any other drug, marijuana is a mind-altering substance, which is to say, you act, think or feel differently on it. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical known to cause marijuana’s psychological effects. Some report feeling no effect, but this is uncommon. Different stains (types) of marijuana and different ways in which to consume it can also produce varying effects. While your reaction is individual, you should know the wide range of side effects that you could experience when under the influence of marijuana. You could feel… relaxed euphoric sleepy talkative anxious paranoid thirsty hungry What are the long-term effects of marijuana? Because marijuana is not legal under federal law in the US and in other parts o Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Marijuana: A Possible Treatment?
Marijuana is currently legal for medical use in 28 American states and the District of Columbia. There are increasing evidence to support the claims that the Cannabis plant offers many potential medicinal properties for a wide number of diseases and disorders. Although we know that marijuana can be helpful in treating nervous disorders, little research is available on its other healing properties because of the law against using the herb for medicinal use. Because of the regulations and the stigma against marijuana, the opinions are biased. But the early research looks promising between the relationship between marijuana and the metabolic processes of the body is still in a relatively new research phase. Of the many research done on various health problems, one of the newest claims is that marijuana can help prevent diabetes, help treat diabetes, and treat certain complications as a result of diabetes. To clear the stigma about marijuana, this article will cover these following topics: What is Marijuana Marijuana has numerous of nicknames throughout the years. Amongst all the names, it is most commonly known as weed, pot, ganja, Mary Jane, hemp, and Cannabis. It is actually the female flower buds of the plant Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, or a hybrid of both strains (the male flower buds have very minimal psychedelic chemicals if not none). Of the 483 known compounds in the plant, there are 86 canninoid chemicals identified. Of the 86 chemicals, the main psychoactive pharmacological chemical is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Other cannabinoid chemicals found are cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabaravin (THCV), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannbicyclol (CBL). All these cannabinoid chemicals are known to also have psychoactive and pharma Continue reading >>
Metabolic Effects Of Chronic Cannabis Smoking
OBJECTIVE We examined if chronic cannabis smoking is associated with hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, reduced β-cell function, or dyslipidemia in healthy individuals. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a cross-sectional, case-control study, we studied cannabis smokers (n = 30; women, 12; men, 18; 27 ± 8 years) and control subjects (n = 30) matched for age, sex, ethnicity, and BMI (27 ± 6). Abdominal fat depots and intrahepatic fat content were quantified by magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. Insulin-sensitivity indices and various aspects of β-cell function were derived from oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). RESULTS Self-reported cannabis use was: 9.5 (2–38) years; joints/day: 6 (3–30) [median (range)]. Carbohydrate intake and percent calories from carbohydrates, but not total energy intake, were significantly higher in cannabis smokers. There were no group differences in percent total body fat, or hepatic fat, but cannabis smokers had a higher percent abdominal visceral fat (18 ± 9 vs. 12 ± 5%; P = 0.004). Cannabis smokers had lower plasma HDL cholesterol (49 ± 14 vs. 55 ± 13 mg/dL; P = 0.02), but fasting levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or free fatty acids (FFA) were not different. Adipocyte insulin resistance index and percent FFA suppression during an OGTT was lower (P < 0.05) in cannabis smokers. However, oral glucose insulin sensitivity index, measures of β-cell function, or incretin concentrations did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Chronic cannabis smoking was associated with visceral adiposity and adipose tissue insulin resistance but not with hepatic steatosis, insulin insensitivity, impaired pancreatic β-cell function, or glucose intol Continue reading >>
Cannabis For Diabetes
1 Diabetes affects more than 29 million people in the United States. It’s estimated that another 8 million cases are going undiagnosed and are unaware of their condition. More than a million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in the US every year. One in every 10 adults who are 20 years or older has diabetes. Diabetes can be a debilitating and life-threatening disease that can drastically lower one’s quality of life and require large amounts of time and money to combat. Diabetics actually have to contend with group of diseases which result from too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. There’s also a stage called prediabetes in which blood sugar is high, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. There is no cure for diabetes. Treatments aim at maintaining normal blood sugar levels through regular monitoring, insulin therapy, diet, and exercise. Progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable. With lifestyle changes, weight loss, and medications, it’s possible to bring a blood sugar level back to normal. What are Cannabinoids? The human body has a vast endocannabinoid system which responds to changes in the body, produces chemicals called endocannabinoids which fit into receptors in cells throughout the body, especially the major organs. This system helps regulate a number of processes including appetite, memory, mood, pain, metabolism, blood flow, and immune response. Cannabis contains a group of compounds called phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids made by plants). These phytocannabinoids mimic the actions of our own natural cannabinoids. Cannabis contains around 80 differen Continue reading >>
