Chronic Pain
Medical cannabis treatments for diabetic complications
Diabetes is a common, chronic condition with many complications. These complications range from problems with eyesight to foot pain, heart trouble, strokes, kidney disease, and more.
Diabetic neuropathy is one complication frequently experienced by diabetic patients. This condition is characterised by burning, tingling, or numbness in the limbs. It’s caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels damaging the nerves, leading to problems with the way nerves carry messages between muscles, organs, and the brain.
Releaf’s world-class clinical team regularly prescribes medical cannabis for diabetic neuropathy, as many patients find it therapeutic for chronic pain and sleeplessness. Some people also find it helps them manage their mood, which can be negatively impacted by diabetic complications.
6 million people
live with diabetes in the UK, according to Diabetes UK.
26%
of diabetes patients are likely to suffer from complications like diabetic neuropathy.
97%
of the 1,669 respondents to Releaf’s 2025 survey of active UK medical cannabis patients reported an improved quality of life.
1 in 2
people prescribed UK medical cannabis take it to treat chronic pain.
Symptoms
Allodynia, an extreme sensitivity to touch
Anxiety linked to chronic pain and the unpredictability of a long-term condition
Burning, shooting, or stabbing nerve pain in the feet and legs
Depression associated with chronic diabetic complications
Fatigue caused by poor sleep and chronic pain
Nocturnal neuropathic pain and associated sleep disruption
Numbness and tingling
Painful diabetic foot syndrome
Phantom limb pain following diabetes-related amputation
CBD and THC for diabetic neuropathy often focus on mitigating the impact of these painful and disruptive symptoms.
Treatment options:
Many types of medication may be offered to diabetic patients experiencing painful complications, ranging from standard pharmaceutical options to alternative treatments for diabetic neuropathy:
Amitriptyline
Capsaicin cream
Duloxetine
Gabapentin
Lidocaine patches
Medical cannabis treatment
Physiotherapy for balance and function
Pregabalin
TENS therapy
Tramadol
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A word from our specialist
“The complications of diabetes can impact almost any part of the body, from the nerves and eyes to the heart and kidneys. For many patients, it's the ongoing nature of these issues that proves hardest to live with.
Since these complications present so differently from one patient to another, it’s vital for each patient to be assessed on an individual basis.
For some, a medical cannabis prescription may be worth discussing to help manage certain symptoms, but only as part of an existing management plan.”
Dr Mike Modestowicz
Consultant Neurologist
Articles on Diabetic complications
12. 07. 2023
Medical cannabis for diabetes, updated research insights for 2026
Diabetes affects how the body regulates glucose and can lead to complications such as neuropathy, sleep disruption, and chronic pain. This updated guide explains how medical cannabis is being explored for symptom management in diabetes, what current research shows, where evidence is limited, and how treatment is accessed through specialist clinicians in the UK.
12. 07. 2023
18. 08. 2023
How medical cannabis may ease the symptoms of diabetes type 2
Type 2 diabetes is the most commonly occurring form of the disease. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which results in sufferers being unable to produce insulin, type 2 diabetes causes the body to respond abnormally to insulin, ensuing in insulin resistance. People with type 2 diabetes will see the level of sugar (glucose) in their blood become too high, which, if left unmanaged, can result in serious, long-term health issues.
18. 08. 2023
15. 08. 2023
The science behind CBD for diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs when diabetes causes damage to the nervous system. The condition can affect a number of different nerves in the body, including in the feet, organs, and muscles. This damage can result in pain, tingling sensations, and numbness. Early medical research is showing that the interaction between CBD and the ECS can produce potentially powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory results for people with diabetic neuropathy.
15. 08. 2023
Can medical cannabis treatments help reduce the impact of diabetic complications?
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to various complications due to fluctuating blood sugar levels that can have catastrophic effects on different parts of the body. Short-term complications are usually severe and include becoming hypo- or hyperglycaemic and requiring immediate adjustment to blood sugar levels.
Longer-term diabetic complications include eye problems, foot pain, dental issues, lung problems, and nerve-related pain known as diabetic neuropathy.
Who does painful diabetic neuropathy affect in the UK?
Diabetic neuropathy can impact anyone with diabetes, particularly when blood sugar levels have been improperly managed. This may be due to diabetes going undiagnosed, or a person missing their diabetes check-ups or forgetting to check their blood sugar levels.
Statistics suggest that as many as 50% of people with diabetes also suffer from diabetic neuropathy.
What symptoms do diabetic complications cause?
The symptoms of diabetic complications vary depending on which areas of the body are affected. Eye complications can lead to foggy vision or loss of sight, while severe foot pain can lead to a loss of mobility and subsequent isolation.
Any diabetic complication may also increase the risk of anxiety and depression, due to negative impacts on quality of life, social interactions, or the unpredictability of a tricky-to-manage chronic condition. Neuropathic pain is particularly associated with a lower quality of life.
Some symptoms of diabetic complications include:
|
Diabetic complication symptom |
How symptom presents |
Impact on quality of life |
|
Retinopathy, also known as diabetic eye disease |
Retina damage that leads to a loss of vision and eventual blindness if not addressed |
Loss of mobility; isolation; associated anxiety and depression |
|
Cardiovascular problems |
Heart attack and strokes, including mini strokes, and high blood pressure |
Increased risk of major disease and death; associated low mood |
|
Foot deformities, e.g., Charcot foot |
Fractures and dislocations in the foot won’t heal properly |
Decreased mobility; intense anxiety as condition is unpredictable; potential need for amputation in severe cases |
|
Dental issues |
Gum disease; bad breath; loosened teeth |
Social problems and a loss of confidence; problems eating; higher risk of abscesses and ulcers |
|
Diabetic Neuropathy |
Pain, spasms, lack of coordination, weakness, poor reflexes, and digestive problems, including nausea |
Constant pain reduces enjoyment of life; decreased mobility; isolation; depression; anxiety; sleep disorders due to pain and spasms |
What is diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
Neuropathy means any damage to the nerves. Peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage outside the brain or spinal column, and is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy commonly affects the hands and feet, but may cause pain in other areas of the body as well. Peripheral neuropathy falls into two types:
-
Sensory neuropathy, which gives incorrect signals about temperature, touch, pain, and other senses.
-
Motor neuropathy, which affects movement, often causing a lack of coordination and weakness.
What treatments are currently available for painful diabetic neuropathy?
Many pharmaceutical treatments are offered for managing the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that can help manage nerve-related pain, as it impacts neurotransmitters associated with pain messages. However, it’s not always suitable as it’s associated with kidney impairment, which can also be a complication of diabetes.
Opioids are often taken for pain management, but can be addictive and have other undesirable side effects.
Here are some of the currently prescribed treatments for diabetic neuropathy:
|
Treatment |
How it works |
Potential side effects (varies from person to person) |
|
Gabapentin |
This drug is an anticonvulsant and can help manage nerve signals associated with pain |
Kidney problems |
|
Opioids, e.g., oxycodone hydrochloride, tramadol etc. |
Opioids affect the nervous system and adjust the perception of pain |
Dizziness; nausea; the possibility of addiction |
|
NSAIDs |
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol block enzymes associated with pain transmission. |
Digestive issues. |
|
TENS |
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses tiny electric shocks that disrupt pain signals. |
Not suitable for people with heart conditions or allergies to the electrode pads. |
|
Capsaicin cream |
Capsaicin, derived from chillies, is applied to the skin to block nerve impulses that transmit pain messages. |
Skin irritation; elevated blood pressure. |
Because it’s challenging to find pharmaceutical options that don’t cause unwanted side effects, many people are searching for alternative treatments for diabetic neuropathy.
Can medical cannabis treatment help with diabetic neuropathy symptoms?
Diabetic patients may consider medical cannabis for diabetic neuropathy due to its strong associations with:
-
Reduced pain
-
Improved sleep
-
Regulated mood
Some people are prescribed THC/CBD for diabetic neuropathy because it may help them rest more and get a better perspective on life. Others decide to learn more about the treatment to hopefully reduce symptoms like pain, sleeplessness, or anxiety.
How does the endocannabinoid system relate to diabetic neuropathy?
Medical cannabis impacts the human endocannabinoid system by binding to specific receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. These are specialised proteins that transmit messages around the body. Positive interactions with these receptors help the body achieve homeostasis: stable, internal systems that promote wellness.
Effects of medical cannabis binding to these receptors can include:
-
Reduced pain and nausea
-
Reduced inflammation
-
Lower anxiety levels
-
Fewer muscle spasms
These are all symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy, indicating just how effective medical cannabis could be for symptom management.
What does the research say about cannabis and diabetic neuropathy?
Taking medical cannabis for diabetic neuropathy can be effective for reducing pain, improving sleep patterns, and even influencing mood.
One randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study into the efficacy of THC for diabetic neuropathy discovered that THC had a significant positive impact on pain reduction. Another systematic review of clinical medical cannabis studies indicated that the majority of reports highlighted significant reductions in neuropathic pain when cannabinoids were taken. In other words, current scientific research appears to support the application of THC or CBD for diabetic neuropathy.
Patient stories also show that medical cannabis can, in some cases, reduce the need for strong opioids or support their effectiveness. Here’s one such testimonial:
“Before, with my treatment with OxyContin, it was like I had a baseline, and then the pain would peak, and I’d medicate in an attempt to bring it back down to the baseline. With medical cannabis, it’s a different approach. I’m attacking the whole condition, rather than just treating the pain, and that results in fewer and fewer times when my pain peaks.”
Peter, a Releaf neuropathic pain patient.
What forms of Releaf medical cannabis can be prescribed for diabetic complications?
There are many conditions medical cannabis can be prescribed for, including diabetic neuropathy. THC for diabetic neuropathy can be taken in a number of different ways, from oils to THC vapes.
Medical cannabis contains more cannabinoids than THC, of course. CBD and terpenes are some of the most commonly discussed potentially therapeutic compounds. CBD is sometimes marketed as a standalone product, but taking products containing only CBD for diabetic neuropathy may not be as effective as taking oils and other formats that contain multiple cannabinoids.
The whole range of medical cannabis products that Releaf patients have access to can, and do, offer quite different therapeutic outcomes, depending on the medical cannabis strains behind them and what balance of THC, CBD, and terpenes these contain. Your prescribing clinician will recommend a few options based on your symptoms, medical history, and desired health outcomes.
During your follow-up consultation, you can discuss how you've responded to your treatment plan, and your clinician can fine-tune your treatment from there.
Am I eligible for UK medical cannabis treatment for diabetic complications?
Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic and can help you check your eligibility in as little as 30 seconds. If you’re suffering from pain or sleeplessness due to diabetic complications, you may be eligible for a prescription for medical cannabis for diabetic neuropathy.
Medical cannabis may also help relieve mood-related symptoms such as anxiety, which is common when dealing with an unpredictable chronic condition like diabetic neuropathy. The Releaf survey shows that 58% of people actively taking medical cannabis reported a reduction in anxiety and stress.
Similarly, a clinician may administer medical cannabis for diabetic neuropathy if you’re suffering from depression. The ongoing nature of diabetic complications can often lead to low mood, which can then cause isolation and loneliness. Some patients report that medical cannabis has eased their depression and helped them enjoy life more again.
As a Releaf patient, you’ll receive a UK medical cannabis card free of charge once you’ve paid for your first prescription. The card is delivered separately from your prescribed medication. Please allow 3 to 5 days for delivery. Your medical cannabis card won't necessarily stop you from being questioned by the police, but it can help you quickly identify yourself as a legal medical cannabis patient. Releaf also offers a refer-a-friend scheme so you can help other people find the support they need from medical cannabis.
Many first-time medical cannabis patients want to know how Releaf pricing works. Pricing is transparent, and the journey to obtaining your THC/CBD for diabetic neuropathy may look like this:
-
Book a consultation for a fee of £99, which is refundable if our doctors are unable to prescribe you medical cannabis (conditions apply).
-
Choose between Pay As You Go costs of £19.99 per prescription, £4.99 per delivery, and £69.99 for future consultation or Releaf+ for £39.99 per month for reduced medication prices and inclusive consultations, among other benefits.
Releaf+ offers predictable costs and unlimited follow-ups, which many people find more beneficial than the Pay As You Go alternative.
Releaf also offers multiple resources that anyone interested in medical cannabis for diabetic neuropathy or other conditions can access, such as the differences between indica vs sativa strains of plants.
You can also request travel certificates, where applicable, for stress-free journeys to certain countries overseas. Additional peace of mind for eligible Releaf+ patients comes from Releaf Protect: legal advice for all issues related to the handling and administering of medical cannabis.
Contact our team for more information about the therapeutic effects of medical cannabis for diabetic neuropathy.
FAQs on medical cannabis for diabetic complications
Will medical cannabis affect my blood sugar levels?
Your Releaf prescription is carefully monitored and chosen based on your unique medical situation, so it works to support you holistically. The prescribing clinician will talk you through the ways that cannabis may help support symptoms associated with changes in blood sugar levels.
Can medical cannabis help with diabetic foot pain?
Many studies suggest that medical cannabis is potentially linked to a reduction in chronic pain. Medical cannabis constituents include CBD and THC. THC for diabetic neuropathy and foot pain may minimise pain impulses, with some patients reporting that it shifts how they perceive pain.
Can medical cannabis be prescribed alongside conventional treatment options for diabetic complications?
Yes, and when you become a part of the Releaf community, you’ll speak to an expert medical professional who will know exactly how your medical cannabis will work with any existing medications. You’ll be provided with meaningful advice to ensure your treatment options are right for you.
Can medical cannabis help with diabetic neuropathy at night?
Many people are prescribed medical cannabis containing THC for diabetic neuropathy and associated sleep disruptions. Medical cannabis is associated with both reduced pain and better-regulated sleep hygiene, helping to improve the quality of life for diabetic patients.