Can CBD Be Used As a Treatment for Diabetes?    

CBD has recently proven to work in dealing with pain and anxiety symptoms. It can also come in handy in managing various health conditions such as epilepsy, and recently there are claims that it can also be used in treating diabetes.  

CBD was recently legalized, and many people, especially those with chronic conditions, have turned to it because of its medical claims. However, there is only limited research to back these claims. CBD has been making strides in the health sector. Many reports from CBD users suggest that CBD could work in various areas to deal with various conditions. CBD has been claimed to help restore balance and well-being, so diabetes patients are now turning to CBD. With this in mind, one might wonder, can CBD be used as a treatment for diabetes? This article explains whether CBD can be used as a treatment for diabetes.

What is CBD 

CBD is a natural compound, an cannabis or hemp plant extract. One thing you need to understand is that CBD can be harnessed from both the hemp and the cannabis plant; only CBD harnessed from the hemp plant is federally approved. It is based on the fact that hemp contains a lower THC content of less than 0.3%. Marijuana contains a higher THC concentration, which is why it is illegal. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a compound of the cannabis plant that is responsible for causing high in marijuana users. CBD is harnessed in powder form and then suspended in a carrier oil to produce CBD oil.  

CBD and Diabetes 

CBD has long been in use following its medical claims after its recent legalization. Limited research exists about CBD and its use; CBD has been working in helping deal with stress, pain, and anxiety. CBD users report improvement in dealing with these and other conditions. They suggest that CBD could potentially be the key to numerous medical improvements and dealing with diseases such as diabetes. The future of CBD is bright, considering that Epidolex – a diabetes drug used to treat a rare type of epilepsy in children, is made from CBD. 

There are different forms of diabetes, and CBD is claimed to be effective in managing type 2 diabetes, but the information is anecdotal. Type 2 diabetes is an impairment in how the body regulates and uses glucose as a fuel. Harwood et al. (2022) explained that long-term type 2 diabetes might lead to a lot of sugar circulating in the bloodstream, which leads to high sugar levels that may bring about health conditions linked to the nervous, circulatory, and immune systems. 

CBD is claimed to be effective in helping manage the symptoms of diabetes and stabilizing blood sugar. However, one must understand that most of these CBD claims are hypotheses and not yet proven facts. CBD is still a subject under research, and only Epidolex is proven scientifically as CBD medicine for epilepsy in kids, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When you want to use CBD for medical purposes like an underlying condition such as diabetes, it is important to seek a medical prescription from a doctor first. 

How Do People with Type 2 Diabetes Use CBD?     

Type 2 diabetes patients can utilize CBD for nerve pain through ingestion or topical application of CBD oil in localized areas. Thanks to CBD's anti-inflammatory properties, it can help manage nerve pain. Type 2 diabetes patients who use CBD also report better sleep, and this is attributed to the relaxing effects that CBD offers. According to Graczyk et al. (2021), the anxiolytic properties of CBD also come in handy in reducing anxiety and stress. Research on CBD suggests that CBD could be potentially helpful in managing neuropathy pain, joint pain, and gastrointestinal issues, also attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD.

Studies on CBD and type 2 diabetes

Firstly, research on CBD and its medical claims is lagging, but the available suggests that the future of CBD is promising. Colizzi et al. (2020) noted that CBD in the body interacts with the Endocannabinoid system by binding to the cannabinoid 1 and cannabinoid 2 receptors altering the potency of endocannabinoids and other primary ligands. The endocannabinoid system regulates several processes in the body, including glucose metabolism in muscle cells. VanDolah et al. (2019) stated that the ECS sends signals about pain, sleep, stress, and other important functions in the body. CBD can potentially help improve blood sugar regulation by activating the endocannabinoid system.

Safety Measures For Those Looking To Use CBD For Diabetes    

CBD was legalized recently, but even so, only a few products of CBD are approved by the FDA. Only a small percentage of CBD products are correctly labeled, with the others under or over-labeled with CBD content. Some brands also fail to label correctly since they contain harmful chemicals. Most of the CBD products that are often misleading are mostly vaping liquids. You should be keen on what you consume, especially if you have a health condition, as some products may bring more harm than good. When shopping for CBD products, you must be keen on the labeling and opt for high-quality products that are well-labeled from reputable brands. As proof of quality, check for third-party testing and approval by the FDA. Also, before deciding to use CBD for diabetes, you must get a prescription and guidance from a doctor.

Side Effects Of CBD       

Little is known about CBD's health effects, especially if it deals with managing chronic conditions. Taking CBD, especially for beginners, may bring about side effects. However, these side effects are mostly mild and include fatigue, nausea, change in body weight, appetite fluctuation, and diarrhea. 

Conclusion 

Nowadays, most people look for natural ways to care for their conditions, and CBD is one way. However, CBD is still a subject under research, and little is known about CBD. It could potentially help manage diabetes especially type 2 diabetes. However, one needs to understand that most of these are hypotheses and not concretely proven facts; otherwise, you would hear of CBD-based medicine for diabetes. It has been established that CBD could help with some symptoms such as nerve pain. If you are thinking of using CBD for medical purposes, then ensure you get a prescription from a doctor. Learn more about try cbd for fibromyalgia

References         

Colizzi, M., Ruggeri, M., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2020). Unraveling the intoxicating and therapeutic effects of cannabis ingredients on psychosis and cognition. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 833. 

Graczyk, M., Łukowicz, M., & Dzierzanowski, T. (2021). Prospects for the use of cannabinoids in psychiatric disorders. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 620073. 

Harwood, K., & Frye, J. (2022). Treatment Interventions of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12(6), 119-125.

VanDolah, H. J., Bauer, B. A., & Mauck, K. F. (2019, September). Clinicians' guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils. Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 94, No. 9, pp. 1840-1851). Elsevier.