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People who suffer from Type 1 diabetes make little or no insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. And when there’s no insulin in the body, blood sugar builds up in the blood stream, instead of making its way into our cells.
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition, and over time, if the amount of glucose in the blood is too high, it can seriously damage the body’s organs.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can’t use insulin properly. Unlike Type 1 - which is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction - Type 2 diabetes is related to lifestyle factors, and can usually be managed with diet and lifestyle modifications.
The good news is there are a number of treatments and therapies out there that will manage the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes - and ensure careful insulin management.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website. Below we’ll be exploring medical cannabis for diabetes. Recent research has highlighted its potential as an effective additional treatment for diabetes. Alongside other medications, it may possibly help reduce some of the symptoms.
How Cannabis Can Impact Blood Sugar Levels
Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They’re active compounds that can cause drug-like effects throughout the body, and you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
When weighing up CBD for diabetes vs THC and diabetes, it’s hard to definitively say which one is better for diabetes symptoms. Because both THC and CBD play a lead role on certain health conditions, and can sometimes be greater together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why cannabis can work positively on a wide range of conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
When medical cannabis is consumed, THC binds to these receptors, leading to experiences like increased appetite, euphoria, and changes in mood. Research is ongoing, and lots more is needed, but there is some evidence that suggests medical cannabis could help lower blood pressure, decrease arterial inflammation, and improve neuropathy symptoms - all thanks to the ECS.
When it comes to cannabis for blood sugar control, there’s evidence to suggest CBD may improve metabolism and blood glucose - something that may help someone with diabetes function a little easier day-to-day.
This study on U.S. adults without diabetes found that medical cannabis may have a positive impact and lower insulin resistance. However, until we have more research on people with diabetes, we can’t say for sure how it may affect glucose regulation, or whether or not it improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic glucose production.
Another side effect of diabetes is muscle stiffness, joint pain, and general discomfort. This is what we most often prescribe for at Alternaleaf. Put very simply, medical cannabis works by harnessing cannabinoids to bind to pain receptors and nerve cells, then slow down the pain response. This, in turn, eases discomfort.
Is Cannabis Safe to Use if You Have Diabetes?
It’s generally safe to consume medical cannabis alongside your diabetes medication. However, we also know that everyone is different. So, our expert clinicians at Alternaleaf will assess each patient as an individual, taking into account their needs and how they react, altering medication if needed.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. If you are prescribed other medication for diabetes, or anything else, it’s best to speak to your Doctor or clinician before consuming any medical cannabis.
Which Medical Cannabis Products Work for Different Types of Diabetes
The form of medical cannabis that is best suited to you depends on the symptoms you’re experiencing from your diabetes. Your clinician is the best person to decide, but at Alternaleaf, we also ask your preference, and try to take this into account as much as possible. Below are a few ways to consume medical cannabis:
- Inhaling: This method of consumption provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain. However, remember that smoking your prescription is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
- Cannabis Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- THC & CBD Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last.
Cannabis Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches): Applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin targets localised pain and inflammation. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor. Currently, all medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation, oral or sublingually only. There are currently no topical products available for prescription at the time of writing this article.
The Role of Medical Cannabis in Reducing Diabetes Symptoms
As always, it’s important to mention that a lot more diabetes and cannabis research is needed. But it is possible for cannabinoids like CBD to help Type 1 diabetics reduce pain, manage inflammation, and possibly control glucose levels.
As we mentioned, medical cannabis is available on prescription, from clinics like Alternaleaf, to potentially help ease some of the symptoms of diabetes, namely diabetic related pain. Remember it is not a ‘cure’ for diabetes, and shouldn’t replace any other medication you’re taking for this condition.
Summary
Although there’s some research on cannabis for insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control with cannabis, we don’t tend to prescribe for these at Alternaleaf. The evidence isn’t strong enough just yet. But in the future it might be.
Whether you’re exploring Type 1 diabetes and cannabis or Type 2 diabetes and cannabis, the best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.