CBD Oil and Diabetes: Does it Work? Research, Side Effects & More

BY Stephanie Toomey  |  July 13th, 2021  |  No Comments
Stephanie Toomey
Stephanie thrives on getting to know someone to understand what makes them tick, so it’s no surprise that she has spent her entire career in retail and marketing – putting the customer first. While at work, you’ll often hear her telling ..

Does CBD oil help with diabetes?

Marijuana had a good year on the ballot in 2020, with multiple states joining others in legalizing recreational use of the cannabis plant.

While the country is still somewhat divided in terms of whether or not marijuana should be legalized for recreational use, cannabidiol (better known as CBD oil) is a byproduct of the cannabis plant that many people claim has health benefits.

CBD oil still has a bit of a mysterious reputation. Some people have credited it with alleviating chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Others have not had much success with this oil. The current consensus is that it really depends on who you are as to whether or not CBD oil is an effective form of treatment for some of your ailments.

One particularly interesting topic of discussion is the effects of CBD oil on people with diabetes. Today we’ll be diving into what is known about the relationship between CBD oil and diabetes. But first, let’s break down what exactly CBD Oil is.

cbd oil and diabetes

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant and then diluted with coconut oil, hemp seed oil, or another kind of carrier oil.

Unlike other cannabinoids  (chemicals found in a cannabis plant), CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is what causes the “high” feeling that people receive when using marijuana. CBD oil is not to be smoked, but is instead consumed in the following ways:

Typically, a person that is trying to treat an ailment will consume 2.5-20mg per day.

CBD and Diabetes

So, now that we understand exactly what CBD oil is, let’s dive into its effects on people with diabetes.

Are There Potential Negative Side Effects of Using CBD Oil if You Have Diabetes?

With any form of medication you take, there are concerns that it can negatively affect your diabetes. For this reason, please consult with your doctor about whether or not trying CBD oil is right for you. Even if you are not using it to treat your diabetes, still consult a health professional about whether or not CBD is safe to try for you.

This is because there is some evidence that shows it is possible that the “endocannabinoid system buffers insulin sensitivity rather than strictly inhibiting it.”

However, there is a serious lack of clinical evidence on the subject of cannabinoid CBD, likely due to Marijuana still being considered a schedule 1 drug by the federal government. Until more research is performed on the subject, there will continue to be a lot we don’t know about CBD oil.

Do We Know Anything About CBD Oil and Blood Glucose?

Once again, the lack of studies and evidence has led to us not knowing a lot about how CBD oil and its relationship with blood glucose levels.

This article from Healthline—which includes an interview with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and holistic Cannabis Practitioner does have some anecdotes regarding her patients’ experience.

The RDN tells Healthline that she has seen CBD oil produce wildly different effects on her patients’ blood sugar levels. One client told her that using CBD oil resulted in a dramatic decline in blood glucose levels, which can be very dangerous. In another instance, one of her clients that used CBD oil experienced no change in their blood sugar.

This goes to show that everyone experienced cannabis and cannabis byproducts differently and further illustrates the importance of speaking with a doctor about using CBD oil.

So, should people use CBD oil for diabetes? Well, the jury is still definitely out on whether or not people with type 2 diabetes or type 1 diabetes should use CBD oil. Regardless of whether they are using it to treat back pain or another type of chronic pain, we’re just not sure what the effects are.

does cbd oil help with diabetes

Other Solutions and Resources to Try to Improve Blood Glucose Levels

While the jury is still out on whether or not CBD oil can be used to treat some of the effects of diabetes, there are many solutions out there that can help make living with diabetes easier and more manageable. Here are some other resources to check out that provide some proven solutions for keeping your diabetes in check:

For other topics on living with diabetes, make sure to check out the rest of our blog!

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Stephanie Toomey
Stephanie thrives on getting to know someone to understand what makes them tick, so it’s no surprise that she has spent her entire career in retail and marketing – putting the customer first. While at work, you’ll often hear her telling ..