AskNadia: Can I Use Marijuana to Lower My Blood Sugar
Dear Nadia,
Is Marijuana used to lower high blood sugar? If so, does this mean I have to refrain from the munchies to get the benefits?
Dear Leah:
With the decriminalization of Marijuana and the rise in the States’ legal adoption of Cannabis, the industry is growing exponentially. What does this mean? More access to Cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes.
Some research demonstrates, Marijuana, also known as Cannabis Sativa, Marijuana, Pot, and weed, has medicinal properties for people with diabetes.
The American Journal of Medicine reports on a study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted with 4,657 women and men from 2005 to 2010. The results concluded that people with diabetes experienced less insulin resistance, lower blood sugar readings, and lower body mass index. The results are statistically significant, demonstrating that Cannabis reduces insulin resistance, improving blood sugar levels.
The Munchies and THC
A group of neuroscientists at the University of Bordeaux conducted a study with mice and found that the THC in Marijuana is what enhances the mice’s brain to smell food creating a desire to eat more. This occurs through the brain’s receptors, where dopamine and ghrelin receptors regulate the pathways for mood, feeling of joy, pain, and hunger.
Different marijuana strains have higher cannabinoids and less THC. The assumption is less THC will not stimulate the ghrelin receptors, a hormone that increases appetite, reduces the desire to eat. If you are a cannabis user, according to this research, less THC should help with fewer “munchies.”
Gastrointestinal Disorder
Studies show if you have a digestive disorder, the use of Cannabis is beneficial to stomach issues. Even though the mechanism is not understood, why Cannabis works, using Marijuana as a treatment is supported.
In the past, people with diabetes who used Cannabis for medicinal purposes did not tell their healthcare professionals, fearing the criminalization of their therapy. Now Cannabis is legal in many States allowing consumption without worrying about the legal ramifications.
We live in a different era now, especially in the States that have legalized Cannabis. If you live in one of these States and are comfortable being honest with your healthcare professional, inform them you have added Cannabis to your therapy. In case it does not mix well with other prescribed medications.
Here are a few more interesting articles about Cannabis Sativa, Marijuana, Pot, and weed:
1- 420 Cannabis Observance Day and-Diabetes
2- Marijuana May Help Blood Sugar Control
3- Dude! Marijuana Could Be the Basis for a Type 2 Drug
Source:
The Impact of Marijuana Use on Glucose
Role of Cannabis in Digestive Disorders
The Endocannabinoid System Controls Food Intake
Disclaimer:
Nadia’s feedback on your question is not a substitute to replace your healthcare professional’s therapy or advice. Please check in with your medical team to discuss your diabetes management concerns.
AskNadia and receive her unique perspective on your question.
About Nadia:
Nadia Al-Samarrie is a diabetes patient advocate. She helps people with diabetes make informed decisions on how to avoid the devastating effects of diabetes complications.
With her knowledge of the scarcity of resources, support, and understanding for people with diabetes, she co-founded Diabetes Interview, now Diabetes Health magazine.
Nadia holds 24 nominations for her work in diabetes as a patient advocate.
ABC, NBC, CBS, Yahoo, and Fox News feature Nadia’s work: Diabetes Health magazine, Sugar Happy and DiabetesHealth.Com.
Her publications, former medical supply business, and website are cited, recognized, and published in the San Francisco Chronicle, The Wall Street Journal, Ann Landers advice column, former Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca, Entrepreneur magazine, Houston News, Phili.com, Brand Week, Drug Topics, and many other media outlets.
