CBD and Diabetes

Read time: 6 minutes

If you or someone you know has diabetes, you may be curious whether CBD can help. While there is currently no evidence to support the use of CBD as an alternative treatment for uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that the use of CBD doesn't cause harm or make diabetes worse. If you or someone you know can benefit from CBD’s positive impact for other health complications, type 2 diabetes doesn’t need to be a limiting factor In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between CBD and diabetes, the potential benefits and risks, and dig into some of the research.

Crash Course on Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting how your body processes glucose, a type of sugar that serves as a primary energy source.¹ When you eat food, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters your bloodstream and is transported to your cells. However, people with diabetes either don't produce enough insulin, or their body doesn't use it properly, leading to high levels of glucose in the blood.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, usually develops in childhood or adolescence and occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is the more common form of diabetes and typically develops in adulthood, although it can also occur in children. With type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. This type of diabetes can often be managed with diet and exercise, but some people may need oral medications or insulin to control their blood sugar.

It's important to note that both types of diabetes can have serious health consequences if left untreated or poorly managed. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and affects more than 30 million people in the country.² However, with proper treatment and self-care, people with diabetes can lead full and healthy lives.

Diabetes and CBD, What the Science Says

At Lazarus Naturals, we often get asked about the relationship between CBD and diabetes.³ People want to know if CBD can help manage their diabetes symptoms or if it could make things worse. The truth is, there is currently no clear evidence to suggest that CBD can help with diabetes. In fact, if you come across any CBD or medical site that makes such a claim, it's a good sign that it's not a trustworthy source.

The American Diabetes Association is pretty clear on this point; there isn’t any research supporting CBD as a potential benefit in managing diabetes.⁴ While some studies suggest the potential benefits of CBD for diabetes in rodents, these findings have yet to be replicated in humans.⁵ It's important to remember that rodents and humans have vastly different biology, so what works for rodents may never work for people.

That being said, some studies do show CBD doesn't harm people with diabetes. In one study published in the Diabetes Journal, researchers found that CBD did not affect blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, or any other diabetes-related markers in a small group of participants.⁶ While this is a promising finding, it's important to note that this was a small study, and further research is needed to confirm these results.

So, what does this all mean for people with diabetes considering CBD? The bottom line is that more research is needed to fully understand CBD's potential benefits and risks in association to diabetes. While some anecdotal evidence or small studies suggest CBD could be helpful, it's important to approach any claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.

As always, it's essential to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new treatments or supplements, including CBD, to rule out any complications with other medications. You should never use CBD to treat or manage any medical condition.

Can CBD help with other aspects of diabetes?

What many studies do show is how CBD may help with complications of diabetes, suggesting that it can be used as a tool to help get some of those body functions back on track.⁷

One area where CBD may be beneficial is in promoting better sleep. Many studies show how poor sleep can lead to type 2 diabetes, so getting your sleep regular with assistance from CBD might be really helpful.⁸ CBD works with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate sleep, mood, and appetite, among other things. By taking CBD, you may be able to help your body maintain balance and get the restorative sleep you need.⁹

Besides sleep, CBD may also be helpful for inflammation, mood regulation, and more. Some studies suggest that CBD may be able to reduce high blood pressure in people at rest and under stress, which may lower the risk of heart attack or stroke as a complication of diabetes.¹⁰ One review also found that CBD may help reduce nerve pain, which is common in people with diabetes.¹¹

Stress is a key contributor to many physical and mental health issues that may contribute to poor lifestyle choices in those with diabetes. Stress may cause increased blood pressure and affect many other areas of the body and nervous system.¹² Evidence suggests that CBD may help reduce anxiety and balance your mood thanks to its balancing relationship with the endocannabinoid system.¹³⁻¹⁴

By finding balance with CBD, you may be able to lead a healthier lifestyle that allows you to feel your best while you manage diabetes with traditional medications and positive lifestyle choices. ¹⁵⁻¹⁶ However, it's important to note that not all CBD products are created equal, and it's crucial to choose products that are free of added sugars or other ingredients that could be harmful to people with diabetes. Try softgels or capsules as a good starting point for convenient CBD products that won’t add any sugar to your diet.

By incorporating CBD into your daily routine, you may be able to find more balance and better manage your overall health and wellness.

At Lazarus Naturals, we understand the importance of finding safe and effective CBD products to support your wellness journey with diabetes. We offer third-party lab-tested CBD products free of harmful ingredients and additives, so you can feel confident in the quality and purity of what you're putting into your body. Whether you're looking to improve your sleep, manage pain, or simply find more balance, we're here to help you achieve your wellness goals.

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