Can CBD Help in Treating Diabetes?

Due to its potential to improve one's health, CBD has become a popular plant compound. This article discusses its various benefits and how it can help with diabetes.

Due to its various benefits, CBD has become an integral part of many people's daily lives. It is used to address various conditions commonly treated using prescription medicines. Although its use is legal in some countries, it is still not widely used in other. The number of people interested in knowing more about the health benefits of using CBD is increasing, and the more people learn about it, the more they are willing to add CBD to their daily routine for wellness. Currently, there is limited information on the effects of CBD; however, research is underway to find out how the cannabis compound can be more beneficial for our lives.

CBD

Cannabidiol and THC are the major compounds of the cannabis plant. However, THC can cause a high, while CBD does not. CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant then used to manufacture different products, including creams, lotions, gels, edibles, oils, and capsules. These forms have different methods of consumption. It should be taken in the right quantity.

CBD And Diabetes

The potential for CBD to help treat or reduce the risk of developing type 1 or 2 diabetes is one area of inquiry. The researchexamines the effects of CBD on the levels of insulin, inflammatory responses, blood sugar levels and problems related to diabetes. Both type 1 and 2 diabetes shows too much glucose circulating in the blood. A hormone called insulin is responsible for unlocking specific cells after eating so that glucose can enter and be used as an energy source. According to Naidu et al. (2011), diabetes 1 is mainly caused by the inability of the body to produce enough insulin. In this case, glucose remains in the bloodstream injuring blood vessels, and cells suffer from inadequate fuel. Type 2 diabetes develops when cells fail to respond to insulin. This causes too much circulation of glucose in the blood. Diabetes type 2 patients experience a higher inflammation level in the body. Though the available research findings contain mixed information regarding the effect of CBD on diabetes symptoms and complications, CBD is associated with the following:

Prevention Of Diabetes

González-Mariscal et al. (2022) statethat treatment using CBD can potentially lower the risk of developing nonobese diabetes in mice. However, analogous, research on people is also necessary.

Inflammations

According to Juknat et al. (2016), CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can potentially reduce inflammations caused by a high level of glucose. CBD can therefore be beneficial in lowering the danger diabetes can cause on the blood vessel walls.

Pain

According to Verrico et al. (2020), CBD can reduce inflammation and pain due to osteoarthritis. Additionally, it has been effective in reducing chronic inflammation and neuropathic pain.

Even though research is still ongoing, no evidence shows that CBD effectively improves HDL cholesterol levels or blood sugar management. The biggest concern about the use of CBD as a potential treatment for diabetes is how it can manage the levels of blood sugar. Currently, no evidence shows CBD can reduce high blood sugar levels.

Methods of Taking CBD To Potentially Help In Relieving Diabetes Symptoms

Vaping

The quickest way of taking CBD into your body is via vaping CBD oil. This method of CBD consumption has the highest level of bioactivity. Vaping allows CBD to travel directly to the lungs and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Vaping, however, has the potential to harm or irritate the airways.

Oils and Tinctures

CBD oil drops can be placed below the tongue to be absorbed into the system through capillaries. CBD oil drops can also be added to foods and drinks.

Edibles

Though taking edibles is easy and convenient, it takes time for them to be digested to give an effect eventually. The most common CBD edibles are CBD gummies. CBD gummies are infused with CBD and contain other ingredients that give them a good flavour and taste.

capsules

CBD capsules contain CBD oil in a fixed dosage. Capsules also require time for digestion.

Creams And Lotions

CBD creams are applied to the skin to reduce joint or muscle pain. Most CBD topicals do not get into the bloodstream but instead affect cannabinoid receptors in the skin.

Dosage

If you intend to use CBD to help with diabetes symptoms, you should consult your doctor about the best CBD product and dosage. The common rule is to always start with a low dose if you are new to CBD. This can help your body tolerate CBD without the risk of side effects caused by high dosage.

Potential Risks Of CBD

CDB interacts with the endocannabinoid system, enhancing it to perform its functions that includes regulating sleep, memory and others. In the UK, CBD extracted from hemp is considered legal. However, according to Iffland&Grotenhermen (2016), it can cause mild side effects that include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Change in weight
• Change in appetite
• Drowsiness

CBD tends to interact with other medications causing side effects. It is, therefore, important to consult your doctor before taking CBD if you are currently taking prescription medications. Until CBD has been proven effective for treating diabetes, you should only try it with caution under the guidance of your doctor. CBD should not be used as a replacement for your diabetes treatment; instead, when guided by your doctor, it should only complement your treatment.

Conclusion

Though many claims continue to be made about the benefits of CBD, it is important to note that it cannot be used as a treatment for diabetes. There is a good chance that CBD will prove to be a successful treatment for numerous illnesses, including perhaps diabetes. Since the CBD market is unregulated, there is a possibility that some CBD products may contain ingredients that can harm the body. You should research if you plan to buy CBD products. Buying from a reputable company is the best idea. Reputable companies provide third-party laboratory reports showing the product’s manufacturing ingredients.

Reference

González-Mariscal, I., Pozo-Morales, M., Romero-Zerbo, S. Y., Espinosa-Jimenez, V., Escamilla-Sánchez, A., Sánchez-Salido, L., ... &Bermúdez-Silva, F. J. (2022). Abnormal cannabidiol ameliorates inflammation preserving pancreatic beta cells in mouse models of experimental type 1 diabetes and beta cell damage. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 145, 112361.

Iffland, K., &Grotenhermen, F. (2016). Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol–A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. European Industrial Hemp Association Available at: www. eiha. org (accessed 14, 2017).

Juknat, A., Kozela, E., Kaushansky, N., Mechoulam, R., & Vogel, Z. (2016). Anti-inflammatory effects of the cannabidiol derivative dimethylheptyl-cannabidiol–studies in BV-2 microglia and encephalitogenic T cells. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 27(3), 289-296.

Naidu, D. S., Fernando, T., &Fister, K. R. (2011). Optimal control in diabetes. Optimal Control Applications and Methods, 32(2), 181.

Verrico, C. D., Wesson, S., Konduri, V., Hofferek, C. J., Vazquez-Perez, J., Blair, E., ... &Halpert, M. M. (2020). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain. Pain, 161(9), 2191.