Diabetes

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http://www.diabetes.co.uk/recreational-drugs/cannabis.html

Cannabis and Diabetes
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Cannabis, or marijuana, is a drug derived from the cannabis plant that is used for recreational use, medicinal purposes and religious or spiritual rites.

Cannabis plants produce a unique family of compounds called cannabinoids. Of these, the major psychoactive (brain function-affecting) compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Marijuana contains high levels of THC, as well as other psychoactive chemicals, which produce the 'high' users feel when inhaling or ingesting it.

History of cannabis​

Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years, with the earliest record of its use dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.

It is indigenous to Central and South Asia, and is believed to of been used by many ancient civilizations, particularly as a form of medicine or herbal therapy.

Cannabis drug class​

Laws regarding the production, possession, use and sale of cannabis came into effect in the early 20th century

But despite being illegal in most countries, including the UK, its use as a recreational drug is still very common.

In fact it is the most used illicit drugin the world, according to the United Nations, with approximately 22.5 million adults across the globe estimated to use marijuana on a daily basis

Effects of cannabis
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Cannabis causes a number of noticeable but mild (in comparison with other recreational drugs) physical and mental effects. These include:

• Increased pulse rate
  
  
• Dry mouth
  
  
• Increased appetite
  
  
• Bloodshot eyes
  
  
• Light-headiness
  
  
• Occasional dizzy spells
  
  
• Problems with memory, concentration, perception and coordinated movement
  

Pro-cannabis groups and campaigners often highlight its pain relief benefits and stress the fact that not one cannabis-related death has ever been recorded.

Cannabis and its effect on diabetes​

There is growing research investigating cannabis use and the effects on diabetes.

Possible benefits of cannabis​

However, some studies, albeit animal-based ones, in recent years have highlighted a number of potential health benefits of cannabis for diabetics.

A research paper published by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) suggested that cannabis can help:

• Stabilise blood sugars - a large body of anecdotal evidence is building among diabetics to support this.
  
  
• Suppress some of the arterial inflammation commonly experienced by diabetics, which can lead to cardiovascular disease
  
  
• Prevent nerve inflammation and ease the pain of neuropathy - the most common complication of diabetes - by stimulating receptors in the body and brain.
  
  
• Lower blood pressure over time, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other diabetes complications
  
  
• Keep blood vessels open and improve circulation.
  
  
• Relieve muscle cramps and the pain of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
  
  
• Be used to make topical creams to relieve neuropathic pain and tingling in hands and feet
  

Cannabis compounds have also been shown to reduce intra-ocular pressure (the fluid pressure within the eye) considerably in people with glaucoma - a type of eye disease that is caused by conditions that severely restrict blood flow to the eye, such as severe diabetic retinopathy.

Treatment for inflammation​

Israeli researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem believe cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, could treat different illnesses such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This study was released in 2015.

CBD is non-psychoactive and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is known to play a role in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.



The researchers believe the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD could treat this inflammation and improve the body’s metabolism.

In August 2015, cannabis pills containing only CBD, and not tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – which provides the “high” of smoking – were sold legally in Europe for the first time.

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy​

Another study in 2015 saw University of California researchers gave 16 patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy either placebo, or single doses of cannabis, which varied in dose strength.

Tests were first performed on baseline spontaneous pain, evoked pain and cognitive function. The higher the content of THC participants inhaled, the less pain they felt.

Treatment for obesity​

Furthermore, researchers at GW Pharmaceuticals in England have revealed that cannabis could be used to treat obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

They discovered two compounds from cannabis leaves that can increase the amount of energy the body burns.

In December 2014, cannabis was linked to a lower likelihood of obesity, lower BMI and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in an Inuit population

Insulin benefits​

Tests in mice showed the compounds - THCV and cannabidiol - boosted the animals’ metabolism, leading to lower levels of cholesterol in the blood and fat in the liver, while THCV was also found to have a number of insulin benefits.

Negative effects of cannabis​

Studies that have investigated this subject suggest that cannabis can have a number of effects on blood glucose control, depending on dosage. These include:

• Memory and concentration-related problems which may affect glycemic control.
  
  
• Raised appetite, or 'munchies' - a craving for sweet/fatty food, which can subsequently lead to hyperglycemia (abnormally high blood sugar levels)
  
  
• Impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia when heavily used.
  

Experts from Diabetes New Zealand, a national non-profit organization, also claim that cannabis indirectly affects blood glucose levels due to the drugs’ effect on the brain, which they say can lead to users not recognizing symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or confusing such symptoms with the effects of the drug.