Diabetes and diabetic complications (neuropathy, retinopathy)
For all practical purposes, there are two types of diabetes (type-1 and type-2). Type 1 is a condition where pancreatic cells are destroyed (due to auto-immune reaction) and insulin cannot be produced. Such patients have to be on insulin life-long.
For all practical purposes, there are two types of diabetes (type-1 and type-2). Type 1 is a condition where pancreatic cells are destroyed (due to auto-immune reaction) and insulin cannot be produced. Such patients have to be on insulin life-long.
Type-2 diabetes is closely linked with metabolic syndrome where there is insulin resistance. This is where, the pancreas is producing higher insulin but the peripheral tissues are resistant to it. The line of treatment for this is giving drugs to improve insulin sensitivity.
ECS plays a huge role in metabolism and energy utilization. On pancreas, it directly stimulates the beta-cells to secrete more insulin. Overall, it reduces inflammation and reduces cell mediated auto-immune so reduces/ reverses pancreatic damage.
Animal studies have shown significant reduction in type-1 diabetes using CBD. Currently, the only treatment for type-1 is life-long insulin injections. CBD can not only reduce insulin requirements but also stimulate release of insulin naturally from the pancreas.
In type-2 diabetes, cannabis extracts can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Additionally, it also directly stimulates the liver and balances glucose and lipid (fat) metabolism. Cannabis extracts (CBD) has been shown to be effective against diabetic complications like retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment (memory) and skin related complains.
Reference:
Experimental cannabidiol treatment reduces early pancreatic inflammation in type 1 diabetes. Lehmann, Christiana et al. Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 655-662, 2016.
The Endocannabinoid System and Plant-Derived Cannabinoids in Diabetes and Diabetic Complications. Béla Horváth et al. Am J Pathol. 2012 Feb; 180(2): 432–442. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.11.003
Cannabidiol lowers incidence of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. L Weiss et al. Autoimmunity. 2006 Mar;39(2):143-51. doi: 10.1080/08916930500356674.
Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabivarin on Glycemic and Lipid Parameters in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Pilot Study. Khalid A. Jadoon et al. Diabetes Care 2016 Oct; 39(10): 1777-1786. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc16-0650