Can CBD oil be used to treat or prevent diabetes?

CBD, or cannabidiol, has been shown to be effective in the treatment and easing of symptoms for a wide variety of health conditions, including anxiety, acne, arthritis and much more…but can CBD oil be used to treat or prevent diabetes?

The short answer is that the use of CBD oil in the treatment and prevention of diabetes is looking promising, however the research is currently still limited. What’s the long answer? Read on…

Can CBD oil be used to treat or prevent diabetes? What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious, inflammatory metabolic condition that can affect the entire body. Diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and life expectancy, especially if it is not managed correctly and complications develop.

There are different types of diabetes, the main types being Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes.

While the types of diabetes differ in their origin and treatment, they have a common presentation, that is too much sugar circulating in the blood. Insulin is the hormone that is responsible for converting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into energy.

In people with Type 1 diabetes, their pancreas produces little or no insulin. In people with Type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells no longer respond to insulin (insulin resistance), so there is no uptake of glucose from the bloodstream. Gestational diabetes occurs exclusively during pregnancy, and blood sugar levels usually return to normal following delivery of the baby.

Therefore, when a diabetic person eats breads, pasta, cereals, fruits or starchy vegetables, their body cannot convert it into energy. Instead of being turned into energy, the sugar from the food that they consume stays in their bloodstream, leading to high glucose levels.

Diabetes has potential serious health implications if not managed correctly. These complications can include stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, limb amputation, blindness, depression and anxiety. Insulin resistance also increases inflammation levels in the body.

Can CBD oil be used to treat or prevent diabetes? The research thus far.

The studies relating to CBD oil use for diabetes that have been conducted to date have mainly examined how CBD affects insulin levels, blood glucose levels and inflammation. When it comes to treating diabetes, the main concern is managing blood sugar levels. At this stage, there is no significant research to suggest that CBD oil can reduce blood sugar levels, but the research is ongoing.

Can CBD oil be used to treat or prevent diabetes? Research regarding prevention.

While there have not yet been any clinical trials conducted to test whether CBD oil can be used to prevent diabetes in humans, a recent study conducted in non-obese mice indicated that CBD when administered, substantially lowered the risk of diabetes developing.

Can CBD oil be used to treat or prevent diabetes? Research regarding pain.

It is already well-accepted that CBD oil provides relief from chronic pain, including nerve pain, which is a common health implication of diabetes.

Most of the specific research studies into pain relief in diabetic patients has been conducted in rodents, however they present a promising model for the translation of these results into human medicine.

Can CBD oil be used to treat or prevent diabetes? Research regarding inflammation.

CBD oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. A study that was conducted specifically looking at inflammation triggered by high blood glucose levels, showed that CBD had a positive effect in reducing several markers of inflammation. Given that the complications that occur in diabetic patients are directly related to high blood glucose, this study suggests that CBD oil might be helpful in reducing the damaging effects of high blood glucose.

Can CBD oil be used to treat or prevent diabetes? The take-home message.

So far, the use of CBD oil in the treatment and prevention of diabetes is looking promising, however the research is currently still limited and ongoing. Animal models have demonstrated positive results with regard to prevention of diabetes, and chronic pain and inflammation related to diabetes.

Disclaimer

The information that is contained in this blog “Can CBD oil be used to treat or prevent diabetes?” is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat diabetes. The information is not intended to be taken as general medical information. Transcending Organics always recommends that you seek the recommendation and advice of your trusted healthcare professional before taking CBD oil.

References

Diabetes Australia, (2021), What is Diabetes?[https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/what-is-diabetes/], accessed 30/07/2021.

Rajesh, M., Mukhopadhyay, P., Batkai, S., Hasko, G., Liauget, L., et al., (2007), Cannabidiol attenuates high glucose-induced endothelial cell inflammatory response and barrier distruption, American Journal of Physiology,https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpheart.00236.2007], accessed 30/07/2021.

Vuckovic, S., Srebro, D., Savic Vujovic, K., Vucetic, C., Prostran, M., 2018, Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules, Frontiers in Pharmacology,https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259], accessed 30/07/2021.

Weiss, L., Zeira, M., Reich, S., Har-Noy, M., Mechoulam, R., Slavin, S., Gallily, R., (2006), Cannabidiol lowers incidence of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice, 39(2),https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16698671/], accessed 30/07/2021.