What is Diabetes ?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your blood sugar (or blood glucose) is too high. Our body makes glucose on its own. On top of that, the food we eat is mostly loaded up with glucose.

Our body needs insulin from the pancreas to turn glucose into energy that we can use for daily activities. But, when the pancreas stops making insulin or the body cannot use insulin properly, that’s when the trouble begins.

When your body can’t produce insulin effectively, blood glucose can’t reach your cells and will begin to build up in your blood. This excessive glucose level in your blood leads to diabetes and various other problems. 

There are different types of diabetes, but the most common types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body is unable to produce insulin at all, whereas in Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas creates less insulin than it should, and your body stops using insulin properly. Either way, this can result in serious complications.

Symptoms that Could Mean You’re Diabetic

The symptoms vary depending on the type of diabetes a person has. Most of the symptoms are visible in Type 2 diabetes. Here are some symptoms of diabetes that you must know:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Losing too much weight without trying
• Wounds taking longer to heal
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Itching and inflammation

Health Complications of Not Treating Diabetes

Ignoring diabetes or treating it late means you are asking for more health problems. Diabetes not managed properly can affect nearly every organ of your body. Here are some issues that diabetic patients face after not managing diabetes properly:

• Heart Diseases
• Nerve Damage
• Bone Diseases
• Weaken Immune System
• Kidney Damage 
• Oral Health Issues
• Eye Problems
• Feet Infections
• Skin Issues

Medical Marijuana & Diabetes

Did you know cannabis and diabetes are connected? Yes, that’s true! And it seems one can help treat the other. 

One of the most common treatments that has been gaining attention in recent years is the use of medical marijuana for diabetes. Some of the earliest support for medical marijuana as a diabetes treatment came from a report by the AAMC. The report suggests that the use of medical cannabis for diabetes helps in the following ways:

• Stabilize blood sugar levels
• Lower arterial inflammation
• Reduce neuropathic pain
• Improve circulation
• Provide relief for certain symptoms

Since then, various studies have shown that medical marijuana may help prevent complications from diabetes. A 2013 study revealed that people who used marijuana had lower fasting insulin levels, higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL), and lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. (meaning a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes).

A 2016 study examined the effects of cannabinoid-based treatments on Type 2 diabetes patients who weren’t taking insulin. It found that cannabinoids helped reduce fasting levels of blood sugar, improved the production of insulin, and raised levels of adiponectin, a protein that helps regulate blood sugar.

How Medical Marijuana Helps with Diabetes Symptoms

By now, we know that marijuana, or weed for diabetes, can help manage blood sugar levels, insulin production, and weight. But that’s not all. Marijuana may also help with multiple symptoms and complications associated with diabetes. As such, it can help patients reduce uncomfortable effects and live a better quality of life.

The American Alliance for Medical Cannabis published one of the first reports on marijuana usage in patients who are diabetic. The study found that medical marijuana can have the following effects on patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes:

• Stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Anti-inflammatory properties help subdue arterial inflammation
• Neuroprotective effects reduce and prevent inflammation of nerves, thereby reducing pain
• Antispasmodic properties relieve muscle cramps and gastrointestinal disorders
• Improved circulation
• Lowers blood pressure
• Substituting cannabis butter and oil in foods benefits cardiac and arterial health
• Helps to calm diabetic Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Diabetes can often lead to damage to the retinas, also known as diabetic retinopathy. This can lead to glaucoma. Research shows that marijuana reduces intraocular pressure, which helps significantly with conditions like glaucoma.

Type 2 diabetes also leads to inflammation, which can cause the problem to worsen as well as cause damage throughout the body. Marijuana has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can potentially ward off the complications of diabetes and lead to improved immune function, cell growth, and metabolism.

Diabetes can sometimes cause increased stress and sleep disorders. Cannabis for diabetes can help by reducing stress and improving sleep, both of which can contribute to weight loss, better metabolic function, and improvements in mood and quality of life.

A large number of diabetes patients who report regular use of medical marijuana see lower blood sugar levels, as well as reduced A1C over time. Existing evidence also corroborates that medical marijuana has an effect on improving insulin resistance, which is helpful for patients with type 2 diabetes.

How to Use Medical Marijuana for Diabetes

There are many ways to consume cannabis, all of which can work well for diabetes. Here are some methods to consume medical cannabis for diabetes:

• Smoking or vaping cannabis flower is a particularly popular option. The effects will hit you instantly, and there are plenty of strains to choose from.
• Capsules and/or gummies are another option you can consider. These edibles allow you to get a fixed dose of THC in each serving.
• You can also go for tinctures. These tinctures allow you to measure the exact dose you want for quick and easy absorption.
• Patients can also consider CBD products. These are often used by patients who want to consume cannabidiol without experiencing the psychoactive effects of THC.

How to Get Medical Cannabis for Diabetes

In some states, adults aged 21 and older can buy marijuana for recreational and medical use. However, in most states, you need to get a medical marijuana card first. A medical marijuana card makes you eligible to buy a range of high-quality marijuana products from multiple marijuana dispensaries.

But, before you apply for a medical card, which is a simple step, it is necessary to visit a medical marijuana doctor and understand the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. Once approved, you can apply for your medical card online and receive it within a couple of weeks.

FAQs About Medical Marijuana for Diabetes

Does marijuana help with diabetes?

The short answer is yes. Medical marijuana helps diabetic patients manage their blood sugar, weight, and pain from diabetes-related complications.

Apart from medical marijuana for diabetes, what measures should I take?

Using medical cannabis for diabetes is good; however, diabetic patients need to make several changes to their daily lives to fight diabetes and live a healthy life. Here are several measures a diabetic patient can take alongside medical marijuana or weed for diabetes:

• Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels.
• Limit the intake of sugary drinks and make unprocessed food part of your daily routine.
• Leave your bed and spend a good 30 minutes doing exercise most days.
• Follow the doctor’s advice on insulin therapy or oral medications for diabetes.

Does THC lower blood sugar?

Yes, THC might help lower blood sugar levels. It is evident from various research. A 2016 study found that THCV, a form of THC, and CBD can decrease blood glucose levels and increase insulin production in type 2 diabetes patients.