Key takeaways:
CBD is not a cure for diabetes. While it has gained popularity, there’s no solid evidence that CBD can lower blood glucose or replace traditional diabetes treatments.
Some research suggests CBD might help with diabetes complications such as nerve pain or heart disease. But most studies have been done on animals. We need more human research to confirm these effects.
CBD has potential risks and interactions to consider. Talk to a healthcare professional before trying CBD to ensure it’s a safe option for you. And be sure to take it along with — not instead of — your current diabetes treatment.
Diabetes affects millions of people in the U.S., and managing it can feel overwhelming at times. Testing your blood glucose (sugar) levels, tracking your diet, and staying on top of your medications is hard enough. But you also need to consider possible long-term complications, such as nerve pain and vision issues. It’s no wonder people are turning to alternative treatments like cannabidiol (CBD) as a possible cure.
But does CBD help with diabetes? Here, we’ll dive into what the science says. Let’s separate the facts from the hype to help you make informed decisions about your health.
Does CBD cure diabetes?
CBD is not a cure for diabetes, despite the claims you may see online or made by various CBD companies. In fact, the FDA has warned companies not to mislead the public this way when it comes to CBD. The American Diabetes Association also states that CBD doesn't have a noticeable effect on blood glucose and isn’t an effective alternative to traditional diabetes treatments.
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The interest in CBD for diabetes stems largely from animal studies that showed it helped lower blood glucose levels. But, so far, studies of CBD in humans haven’t shown the same results.
Currently, a cure for diabetes doesn’t exist. The best way to manage it is to eat balanced meals, stay active, and track your blood glucose levels. Oral and injectable prescription medications with proven safety and efficacy can also help when needed.
Can CBD help with any diabetes-related issues, such as neuropathy?
It’s possible that CBD may help with certain long-term issues associated with diabetes. These include nerve, eye, and kidney problems. But ,so far, research is mixed or of low quality. So we don’t know for sure one way or the other. Here’s what science can tell us so far.
CBD and diabetic neuropathy
About two-thirds of people living with diabetes in the U.S.experience neuropathy (nerve pain). Common symptoms include burning, tingling, and numbness in your hands and/or feet.
One small study showed that topical CBD may help improve neuropathy-related pain. But a review of clinical studies found that there wasn’t enough evidence to support CBD for neuropathy treatment.
The evidence does show that THC (another active ingredient in cannabis) may help improve neuropathy symptoms. But THC products aren’t available over the counter the same way that many CBD products are. And they’re only legally sold in states with medical and/or adult-use cannabis laws in place.
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CBD and diabetic kidney disease
High blood glucose levels over a long period of time can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Oral or topical CBD may help with itchy skin (pruritis) caused by later stages of CKD. But there isn’t evidence to suggest that CBD may help treat or prevent CKD itself.
That being said, animal studies show that CBD may help protect the kidneys from damage caused by chemotherapy treatment. So it’s possible that future studies may help us learn more about CBD’s potential when it comes to protecting the kidneys from diabetes-related damage, too.
CBD and diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that occurs in up to 40% of people living with diabetes. Excess glucose in your blood can damage tiny blood vessels in the retina — the part of the eye that helps you see. This can lead to vision loss or even blindness over time.
Animal studies show that CBD may help reduce inflammation and retinal damage caused by diabetes. But, so far, there aren’t any human studies to back this up. Researchers are also looking at the best way to deliver CBD treatment to the eye. This is because there isn’t much blood flow to your retina, so it’s harder for medications to reach the eye through your bloodstream.
CBD and diabetic heart complications
Diabetes raises your risk of heart problems, including heart attacks and heart failure. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves, and even the heart muscle itself.
Animal and lab-based studies are promising when it comes to CBD’s protective effects on the heart. They show that CBD seems to reduce inflammation and tissue damage caused by high glucose levels. But as of yet, we don’t have any human studies that verify these effects.
Can you replace your diabetes medications with CBD?
No — you shouldn’t replace your diabetes medications with CBD. There’s no solid evidence that CBD can lower blood glucose levels or prevent diabetes-related complications. Proven treatments remain your best bet when it comes to managing diabetes.
If you stop taking metformin or other diabetes medications, you’re at a higher risk for diabetes complications. If you’re having side effects or other concerns about your treatment, talk to your healthcare team for guidance. They can help address your concerns safely and change your medication if needed.
Is it safe to take CBD if you’re living with diabetes?
CBD is considered safe and well-tolerated by most people. It doesn’t make you feel “high,” and it doesn’t carry a risk for dependence and misuse the way that THC-products do. But that doesn’t mean CBD is risk free.
Some things to consider before trying CBD include:
Medication interactions: CBD can interact with other medications and substances. So it’s best to review your medication list with a healthcare professional before trying it.
Lack of regulation: The FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products the same way as OTC or prescription medications. Contaminated or mislabeled CBD products are common. So it’s important to purchase high-quality CBD products to help protect your safety.
Liver health: High doses of CBD over long periods could harm your liver. The risk is higher if you already have liver problems. Diabetes can also lead to liver problems over time, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare team before trying CBD.
Keep in mind that there’s no proof that you’ll notice any benefit from adding CBD to your daily regimen. But it’s likely safe to give it a try if your healthcare team OKs it. Just be sure to keep taking your current diabetes medications as prescribed.
What’s the recommended dose of CBD for diabetes?
CBD (under the brand name Epidiolex) is only FDA approved to treat certain types of seizures. So there isn’t a CBD dosage that’s been proven safe and effective for diabetes or other health conditions.
Clinical studies use anywhere from 16 mg to 1,000 mg of CBD per day, depending on the condition being studied. In general, experts suggest starting with a low dose of CBD, such as 5 mg twice daily, and slowly increasing it over time to find the right dose for your needs.
The bottom line
CBD is not a cure for diabetes. There’s no solid evidence that it can lower blood glucose levels or replace traditional treatments. While early research suggests CBD might help with certain diabetes complications — such as nerve pain or heart health — most studies have only been done on animals. We need more human studies to draw any firm conclusions.
While CBD may have potential as a supplement, it has interactions and other risks to consider. If you’re considering CBD, talk to a healthcare professional first to make sure it’s a safe option for you. And be sure to continue your current diabetes treatments along with it.
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References
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