Diabetes is a global epidemic that affects roughly 400 million people and kills up to 5 million every year. According to the National Diabetes Statistic Report, about 2 million people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes every year, and in 2015, an estimated 30 million Americans of all ages had one of the two types of diabetes.
-Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas is destroyed by the body’s own immune system. The pancreas is a crucial organ because it makes insulin, which is a hormone used to change the sugar we take in through food, into energy.
-Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, inadequate amounts of insulin are formed in the pancreas, which ultimately slows down the bodies metabolism and increases the blood sugar levels. It has been long known that chronic inflammation has played a key role in the development of insulin resistance and therefore, type 2 diabetes. The researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD could treat this inflammation and therefore improve the body’s metabolism.
So how can CBD help with diabetes? Let’s take a look at the top 5 ways CBD can have a positive effect in helping to treat, or even help prevent diabetes.
1. Prevention
One of the most important ways that CBD possibly affects diabetes has to do with preventing the disease from occurring in the first place. People who are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, specifically type two diabetes, often have insulin resistance and high fasting insulin levels; more commonly referred to as Prediabetes.
With Prediabetes your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. These people typically also have low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lipoprotein is a particle in your blood which carries cholesterol, fats and proteins. Prediabetes usually occurs in people who already have some insulin resistance or whose beta cells in the pancreas aren’t making enough insulin to keep blood glucose in the normal range. CBD has been thought to help lower these levels, causing someone to not become diabetic.
2. Treating Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells reject insulin, which is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar. When the cells reject insulin, they cannot absorb glucose (sugar), which is needed for energy. This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream and lead to high blood sugar levels.
Insulin resistance is a key factor in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Researchers aren’t totally sure how CBD works to treat insulin resistance, but many believe that credit belongs to CBD’s powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Many studies have shown a connection between chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. When inflammation is reduced, the immune system and cardiovascular system function better. A lack of inflammation can also improve cell growth and improve sugar metabolism.
If all of these systems throughout the body are working as efficiently as possible, the chances of developing insulin resistance and diabetes are decreased.
3. Help to Prevent Obesity
Obesity and a large waist circumference are well-known risk factors for type two diabetes. Research shows that cannabis and hemp use have been linked to a smaller waist circumference, a lower BMI (body mass index) and decreased obesity levels. CBD performs several different functions in the body that contribute to its weight management benefits. In addition to helping users get rid of extra weight in the form of inflammation, it may also act as an appetite suppressant. As a result, it would help people avoid overeating and gaining weight, which puts them at a lower risk to get diabetes. CBD may also contribute to the process of fat browning. During this process, white adipose (fat) is converted to brown adipose. White adipose’s function is to store energy (calories), but brown adipose improves the body’s energy-burning capabilities; turning body fat into heat. So in short, CBD is believed to help the body burn calories more efficiently, reducing obesity.
4. Treats Neuropathy
For people who currently struggle with diabetes, neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a common occurrence. Most diabetics experience neuropathy in the hands and feet, but any organ can be affected.
Common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area.
Studies suggest that CBD appears to work better than conventional medicine when it comes to treating diabetic neuropathy. One study found that CBD could be used to both relieve pain and prevent additional neuropathy. Researchers believe this is the case because CBD may increase the body’s levels of nerve growth factor. CBD may also protect the liver from oxidative stress, which seems to contribute to the development of neuropathy as well.
5. Speeds Healing for Skin Complications
In addition to neuropathy, many diabetics also struggle with chronic skin sensitivity and irritation.
Common issues include sores on the feet and rashes on various parts of the body. CBD may help heal these skin conditions and provide diabetics relief from the itching, burning, and general discomfort that accompanies them. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits can also help to soothe irritation. CBD may also speed up the body’s natural healing processes.
CBD Oil can act as a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of diabetes and other associated diseases. People who use CBD Oil for type 2 diabetes have reported that they have more energy and are able to exercise more. Diabetics who use CBD Oil may have better control of their blood sugar, experience better sleep and see an overall improved sense of well-being.
Please note we are not medical providers, and none of the information within this post should be taken as medical advice. Please consult with a doctor or medical professional before replacing, or supplementing any medications with CBD.
Read our previous blog: What to Look for When Purchasing CBD by clicking here.
