Diabetes | CBDExaminers Diabetes – CBDExaminers
Diabetes – a disease that is common among all age groups. The condition can be effectively managed when it is diagnosed early. However, diabetes can become life-threatening and affects various parts of the body like the heart, kidneys, etc., when left untreated.
High blood sugar causes diabetes. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin effectively (Insulin is responsible for moving sugar from the blood into cells to be stored and used as energy.)
Oral medication or insulin therapy is used as the primary treatment for diabetes. However, these treatments cause side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, weight gain, etc.
However, we have some good news for you. CBD obtained from the Cannabis Sativa plant has a better side effect profile and can treat diabetes to a large extent. Infact, CBD is becoming popular among diabetic patients as an alternative medicinal option.
Diabetes – in detail
There are three main types of diabetes – Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes. Different factors cause different types of diabetes. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. However, it is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks itself. Type 2 diabetes is caused by cells becoming resistant to insulin action(which is responsible for moving glucose into cells for storage) and thus increasing blood glucose levels. Gestational diabetes is caused during pregnancy.
Out of all the three types of diabetes, type 2 diabetes is more common. According to the CDC(Centre for disease control and prevention), 34 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when cells can’t use insulin effectively, leaving blood sugar levels high. The pancreas, which produces insulin, makes more insulin to overcome the resistance of cells against the action of insulin. Over time, this causes depletion of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and results in type 2 diabetes.
Insulin sensitivity means how sensitive the body cells are to the effects of insulin. High insulin sensitivity can reduce insulin resistance, which in turn reduces the risk of diabetes.
CBD is known to have a positive effect on insulin sensitivity.
The Endocannabinoid system(ECS) is a biological system present in our body. ECS has three components, called endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are responsible for regulating various physiological processes of the body, such as the immune system, digestion, cardiovascular system functions, reproductive system, etc.
A study called, The CB1 Endocannabinoid System Modulates Adipocyte Insulin Sensitivity published in Obesity journal showed that the endocannabinoid system sets the insulin response’s sensitivity in adipocytes (cells that specialize in storing energy as fat). ECS plays a vital role in how the body responds to insulin, increasing, or decreasing insulin sensitivity.
CBD works by activating receptors(CB1 and CB2) present in ECS and provides many health benefits. CBD improves insulin sensitivity, thus decreasing cells’ resistance against the action of insulin, which in turn reduces blood sugar levels.
Studies showing the positive effects of CBD on Diabetes
A study called, Cannabidiol lowers incidence of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice conducted on mice showed that CBD can inhibit and delay destructive insulitis and inflammatory Th1-associated cytokine production in NOD mice resulting in a decreased incidence of diabetes. This means CBD reduces inflammation caused in the pancreas(insulin is produced in the pancreas) and reduces the risk of diabetes.
Diabetes is an inflammatory condition. CBD is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. According to the study, Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, and CBD may indirectly improve anti-inflammatory effects.
A study published in Neuropharmacology journal showed that CBD, known to be safe for human, can be used as a therapeutic agent for treating type 1 diabetes.
A study called Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoids in Metabolic Disorders with Focus on Diabetes showed that evidence is emerging that some non-psychotropic plant cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol, can be employed to retard β-cell damage in type 1 diabetes, which means CBD can be used in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes.
According to the study published in The American Journal of Pathology, Natural cannabinoids, such as CBD and THCV, have tremendous therapeutic potential and will also influence the clinical outcomes of diabetic patients.
Diabetes is not a severe illness/disease when diagnosed early and is given proper treatment. Various studies have proved that CBD has minimal to no side effects and can be used to treat diabetes.
Many people with diabetes are turning to CBD to treat their diabetes condition, and CBD has worked wonders in those people. Hence, CBD is worth trying as there is nothing to lose with its good side effect profile.