CBD for Diabetes
There is a lot of talk about CBD’s potential to help
diabetics. As more research piles up, we are seeing promising results. There is
also a lot of misinformation and false advertising. The goal of this article is
to set the record straight, and tell you what we do, and don’t, know about CBD
and diabetes.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD - it seems to be everywhere you look lately! Billboards
pepper the landscape with more and more
CBD stores opening their doors. But what exactly is CBD? Is it marijuana?
No, it’s not. CBD oil is short for cannabidiol,
which comes from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is closely related to the
marijuana plant, and CBD can be found in marijuana. However, marijuana has
hundreds of other ingredients that produce the high feeling, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol,
or THC. THC is not typically found in CBD. Therefore, CBD does not cause highs
or the potential for dependence like recreational marijuana would.
So it’s Safe?
CBD has been shown to be very safe. Consumers should still
be cautious when purchasing CBD. CBD is not subject to FDA
safety and purity regulations like medications. Different distributors may
include different ingredients in addition to the CBD oil. This makes it
important to find a CBD retailer that you can trust. Make sure that they can
provide a third-party lab analysis of their CBD. Also check to see that they
have knowledgeable and responsive customer service representatives. Pure,
natural CBD is very safe, so just make sure that you know what you are getting!
As with any supplements, it is important to speak with your
doctor first. They can help to make sure that CBD does not interfere with any
of your current medications, supplements, or conditions.
Why do People Use CBD?
CBD appears to alleviate the symptoms
of various ailments, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, depression, anxiety,
insomnia, discomfort from cancer and chemotherapy, dementia, Alzheimer’s,
Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. It has also shown to
reduce inflammation. This reduces the pain and discomfort of arthritis and
other chronic pain, as well as the danger of heart disease.
CBD and Inflammatory Disease
With its diverse possibilities, especially its
anti-inflammatory capabilities, scientists are now wondering if CBD can also
hold the key to preventing and managing diabetes. What many may not realize, is
that diabetes is actually an inflammatory
disease. Patients with type 2 diabetes do not produce proper amounts of
insulin. This can be a result of cellular stresses such as the following.
Oxidative Stress
Free radicals form when molecules containing oxygen are not
balanced with an even number of electrons. This causes oxidation, or
chain reactions with other molecules in the body. You have probably heard that
we should eat foods that are rich in antioxidants. That is because antioxidants
provide the necessary electron to the free radicals in order to stabilize them
and render them less reactive. A lack of antioxidants in the body leads to an
imbalance known as oxidative stress. Free radicals are unable to fight
infections and begin to cause damage to the body instead, leading to diabetes
and inflammation.
Ectopic Lipid Deposition
Type 2 diabetes involves inappropriate levels of the
hormone insulin. Healthy bodies break food down into blood sugar. Once in the
bloodstream, the pancreas receives the signal to release insulin. Insulin has
two jobs. It can either be used as energy through our cells, or it can go into
the liver for storage until it is needed. Once it leaves the bloodstream
through either of these processes, the pancreas knows it can stop sending
insulin. When we eat too much sugar, though, the pancreas sends too much
insulin. Cells basically start to ignore that excess insulin, thus rendering a
patient as insulin resistant. The pancreas works hard to create more and more
insulin in order to receive a response, but it is to no avail as the blood
sugar continues to rise. This surplus blood sugar gets stored in fat cells,
instead.
Studies with rats show a clear association between insulin
resistance, obesity, and inflammation. It is important to remember that an
association does not mean causation, but there is a connection. This is another
way in which diabetes is an inflammatory disease.
Diabetes, Inflammation, and CBD
As we have learned, diabetes can lead to inflammation.
Inflammation can also exacerbate diabetes. For example, chronic inflammation of
the pancreas causes the destruction of cells that produce insulin. CBD binds to
receptors related to inflammation and desensitizes them. This helps reduce
inflammation. It did help rats with osteoarthritis. It is possible that its anti-inflammatory
results can both help and prevent diabetes. In terms of blood sugar levels,
some preliminary
investigations report positive changes after using CBD. Other anecdotal
evidence does not support this. However, it does appear to help pain and inflammation,
which helps one get better
exercise and rest, and those can help blood sugar levels.
Why are There so Few Human Studies?
While the 2018
Farm Bill did legalize CBD, each state still has the authority to enforce
this how they see fit. As of 2020, Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota still
consider CBD illegal. The rest of the states vary in terms of restrictions.
Some states allow it to be available almost everywhere. Others make it harder
to find. What this means for science is that it is harder to organize ethical
studies when the legal acceptance is still slightly controversial depending on
the region in which it takes place. While scientists feel optimistic with what
they are seeing with rats, more studies are needed to prove the effects of CBD
in humans.
So What Have we Learned from Rats?
Studies have shown that rats with inflammation of the
pancreas develop diabetes later and also have fewer immune-cell activity,
(which is what destroys the insulin-producing cells,) when using CBD oil. There
is much to learn in terms of humans, though. We do understand that it is
our endocannabinoid system that regulates our energy metabolism and our
responses to insulin. CBD influences receptors within the endocannabinoid
system, but so far this varies drastically from patient to patient. One may
experience a sudden drop in blood sugar after using CBD and another may notice
no change at all.
How do I Use CBD?
There are a few options for how to ingest CBD
oil. It is even available in gummy format, but there are healthier ways to
receive its effects. Many people choose to swallow droppers of oil. It is wise
to discuss this with a doctor prior to starting, in order to decide how large
of a dose to take. There are people who specialize as Holistic
Cannabis Practitioners and provide cannabis counseling! Another option is
to place the desired number of drops underneath your tongue.
The purpose of this method is the blood vessels under the tongue absorb the oil
directly, thus bypassing the time it would take to go through the digestive
system. It is possible to rub the oil over inflamed joints for relief. This
will not likely have an effect on the entire body, however, but will help with
the irritated joints.
Are There Side Effects?
Some people report the following side
effects: nausea, irritability, and fatigue. It can also raise coumadin, a
blood thinner, in your system as well as other medications that you may be
taking.
Final Thoughts
In weighing the evidence that we do have available, it seems like the best advice we can give, is to approach CBD with an open mind. If you are curious about CBD and diabetes, give it a try, and see what works for you. There is a lot of promising research and more human studies will likely be forthcoming. While some patients appear to have very positive results after beginning a CBD regimen; others find it has no effect. None, however, report serious side effects or a worsening of blood sugar levels following CBD. Therefore, it may be worth a try. Just remember to speak with your doctor first and research reputable sources of CBD.
Want to learn more about CBD and diabetes? Contact Eden's Herbals at [email protected] today!