Modern medicine has come a long way in the past several decades, progress has become exponential in relation to technology. But on the other hand, laws, regulations, and capitalism have also been a constant to slow progress down.
These three variables have given daylight to alternative solutions for life-changing diseases. Although experiment-backed evidence is rather scarce on the scientific links, researcher and patient testimony have laid the first bricks upon its foundation.
CBD And Diabetes
Cannabidiol (also known as CBD) is a commonly found cannabinoid within the cannabis plant that has been linked to the improvement of symptoms in type 1 and 2 diabetes. There is hardly ever an exact cure for any disease or illness, only solutions that improve a patients morale, comfort and symptoms.
CBD is just that for diabetes, it has the ability to provide numerous benefits with no noticeable or known side effects. As time progresses, so will the use and clarity upon the direct links between CBD and diabetes.
Benefits Of CBD Oil For Diabetes
The benefits that CBD provides to diabetic sufferers range from superficial skin conditions to skin-deep neuropathy. These positive effects could aid the crusade upon diabetes in pre and post diagnosis stages.
Helps With Skin Conditions
Diabetes has a track record of causing major skin problems for patients. These problems are most commonly found in the form of chronic skin sensitivity and severe irritation. Most of the problems occur on the lower extremities of the patient in places such as the feet in the form of rashes and sores.
Skin symptoms often come with burning and itching sensations that can lower a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe the pain. Additionally, when it is used topically it acts as a great moisturizer and provides increased localized support on the applied area.
Manages Neuropathy
Neuropathy is the internal nerve damage that diabetes often sparks. This causes numbness, weakness and often a pain for the patient which is most commonly found in, but not limited to the hands and feet.
CBD’s properties have displayed the ability to soothe the pain of neuropathy as well as prevent the future spread of neuropathy. Although it is not yet considered a fact, it is believed that CBD may be able to encourage an increase in nerve growth and reduce the liver’s oxidative stress, which is a contributor to increased neuropathy.
Treats Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation has the biggest effect upon the quality of life for the majority of patients who suffer from any disease or illness. CBD has a proven track record to decreasing the amount of pain patients experience on a daily basis, sometimes better than other prescribed medications.
This can be attributed to the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors (CB-1) which are prevalent throughout the entire human body.
Overall, CBD has made an impact on the number and frequency of medications thousands of patients have had to ingest over the past few years.
Treats Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells reject any insulin that is produced by the pancreas (to help regulate the amount of blood sugar levels of your body). When cells reject insulin, glucose (sugar) accumulates in the body’s bloodstream leading to high blood sugar levels.
With the body’s cells rejecting insulin, they are unable to get the energy they need to complete their regular functions which eventually leads to organ damage and even death.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to insulin resistance, meaning the greater the amount of inflammation a patient experiences, the greater the intensity and chance of insulin resistance. With that being said, since CBD is able to combat inflammation, the body’s systems are able to get back on track much easier.
Additionally, the location of the body’s CB-1 receptors is in the exact place where insulin is produced, leading many to believe that the stimulation of these cells leads to an improved insulin production.
Decreased Risk Of Obesity
Type 2 diabetes is commonly accompanied by risk factors for obesity. Cannabis has been linked to helping users achieve lower BMI scores (Body Mass Index) and decreased chances of developing into obesity.
CBD has proven to decrease the extra weight accompanied by inflammation and has also been suggested as an appetite suppressant. CBD has also been speculated to aid in the process of fat browning, a process where white adipose (calorie storing) is turned into brown adipose (calorie burning).
Prevents Diabetes Apparition
Perhaps the most important benefit CBD may offer is the decreased chance of developing diabetes. It has been proven that those who have used CBD or cannabis usually have lower levels of diabetes-causing cellular activity.
Since CBD helps lower the chances of insulin resistance, obesity, and high cholesterol, it creates lower chances for diabetes to appear in the first place.
Studies On CBD And Diabetes
A five-year study that tested 4,657 patients conducted by Elizabeth Penner, Hannah Buettner and Murray Mittleman finished in 2013, displayed that those who used cannabis on a regular basis had fasting insulin levels that were 16% lower than those who did not use cannabis at all, as well as a 17% decrease in insulin resistance and more high-density lipoprotein found in their bodies.
It was determined that a “significant link between the regular use of marijuana and better blood sugar control” existed. With the results of cannabis compounds (such as CBD) research looking very promising, many have called upon the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) to increase funding for cannabis-related research.
CBD Products For Diabetes
There is an increasing number of CBD products in the cannabis market. It is important to note that ANY CBD product can be used to help treat diabetic symptoms. These products come in numerous forms, but we will focus on the most common ones.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is most commonly inhaled through vaporization and combustion. This is the fastest acting form of CBD to date and is very easy to administer. This product is usually found in the form of a screw-on vaporizer cartridge that can be easily set up and changed.
CBD Tincture
CBD tincture is a liquid form of cannabidiol that is usually placed underneath the tongue for a short period of time. These tinctures also come in flavored forms so you don’t have to worry about foul-tasting liquids. The effects of a CBD tincture product are the second fastest-acting way to administer CBD.
CBD Edibles
CBD edibles can technically come in any form of food and snacks. They are most commonly found in sweets such as gummy bears or chocolates. Edibles usually take some time to activate but are a great alternative for those who don’t want to inhale smoke/vapor and don’t like tinctures.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are just like edibles but without the flavor and flash. Since some people have a hard time taking pills in any form, they opt-out for edibles. But if you’re looking for a quick, ingestible form, capsules are the way to go.
CBD Dosage For Diabetes
There is no standardized measurement table for CBD and diabetes that exists. However, it is best that every individual test different dosages out for themselves as everyone is different. It should also be kept in mind that it’s not possible to overdose on CBD, so feel free to test dosages without fear.
The Advantages Of Using CBD For Diabetes
Cannabidiol offers a cheaper, side-effect free solution for diabetic symptoms. It can help aid in skin problems, insulin resistance, inflammation, obesity and increase the overall quality of life for patients.
Although there is not a whole lot of pre-existing evidence backing the use of CBD for diabetes, there are many scientists currently trying to or already conducting new research. CBD is a testimonial-backed solution that will soon be further supported by the results of the scientific community.
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