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6 min read
Lucy MacKinnon
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa L. plant, more commonly known as cannabis or hemp. It is one of more than 110 chemicals known as phytocannabinoids found in this particular species of plant, and one of the most prevalent, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD is primarily obtained from hemp, which only contains small amounts of THC, and in recent years has been made legal for medicinal use in various countries around the world. It has been found to have multiple uses in treating a range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety and more.
There has also been some positive research done in the area of using medical cannabis, and specifically CBD, to treat or manage the symptoms of diabetes. Below, we’ll go into more detail about these studies, and also assess the risks, product choices, and dosage requirements when using CBD.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the largest neuromodulatory system in the body, with research pointing towards it being the “master” regulator promoting and maintaining homeostasis. CBD activates endocannabinoid receptors and has also been found to influence non-cannabinoid receptors. This means that CBD has the potential to influence mood, appetite, stress, immune function, pain and memory, and more. In terms of diabetes, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to reduce oxidative stress. And there are scientific studies to back this up.
A 2021 study showed that CBD could have benefits for type 2 diabetes sufferers who cannot use standard management methods. A further study on mice showed that CBD could potentially reduce hyperglycaemia, lower cholesterol and increase insulin production – which could have huge potential for diabetics.
However, despite the promising yet unverified potential of CBD in treating or reducing the effects of diabetes in humans, it has a range of other uses for managing the multiple symptoms of the condition.
For example, there is some evidence to show that CBD helps to reduce chronic inflammation and neuropathic pain. This can especially affect the hands and feet of people with diabetes. In addition, CBD oil can help the body to transform white fats into brown fats, which can boost weight loss and the body's ability to process glucose.
The risk of using CBD oil for diabetes is relatively low, and most people have no adverse reaction. However, there are some side effects which can include suppressing immune responses, increasing eye pressure, and negatively impacting the efficacy of certain pharmaceutical medications.
As such, it is always necessary to consult your doctor before taking CBD oil to manage your diabetes symptoms, as well as ensure that you source CBD from a reputable supplier.
Diet and lifestyle choices are incredibly important for managing the symptoms of diabetes and the need to control blood sugar. As such, it’s essential that people with diabetes eat a controlled and balanced diet that’s low in processed sugars and make every attempt to remain at the recommended weight and physical condition for someone of their size and age. The power of CBD to help lower levels of anxiety and depression can assist in weight loss and increase motivation. It can also help to manage chronic pain, allowing a higher degree of physical exercise, which can keep diabetes symptoms in check.
There are plenty of ways you can take CBD oil, depending on your preference. This includes tinctures which are absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue to provide immediate relief, capsules, or edibles which are taken orally but take a little longer the effects to be felt, dried CBD flower or CBD oil that can be inhaled through a vaporiser, and topical creams that can help to relieve muscle and joint pain.
When choosing a product it’s important to ensure it contains less than 0.2% THC, as this is the psychoactive compound in cannabis, and therefore not legal for sale by reputable suppliers. If you are interested in sourcing a medical cannabis product that also contains THC, you will need to obtain a prescription from a doctor that is registered to prescribe medical cannabis. Here in the UK, only specialist doctors are allowed to prescribe medical cannabis.
When considering dosage levels, it’s best to start low and gradually build up as required. Most people taking CBD for diabetes have reported successful results from anywhere between 10 – 40 mg per day, taken over several doses throughout the day. By reaching out to a doctor that is experienced in prescribing CBD for diabetes, they can help you to determine the optimum dosage for your needs.
So, can CBD oil help diabetes? The answer is almost certainly yes. Although the clinical trials are still ongoing, the early signs are positive for using CBD to help manage diabetes. Not only is it a natural way to help manage your blood sugar levels, but it’s also a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight oxidative stress. The benefits of CBD oil regarding diabetes also include alleviating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate the symptoms of diabetes.
Most importantly, it’s essential to consult with a doctor and/or specialist before taking CBD oil for diabetes. This will ensure that you are making the best decisions for your health, as well as sourcing a quality product from a reputable supplier. Once you have all the facts in place,
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Am I eligible?With five years of journalism and healthcare content creation under her belt, Lucy strives to improve medical cannabis awareness and access in the UK by producing high quality, credible content.
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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