CBD Oil for Diabetes: Can it Help?

Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.
state laws
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound from the Cannabis sativa plant. It may help treat diabetes. However, using CBD can come with risks and may not suit people with certain health conditions or those who are pregnant or nursing.
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Cannabis sativa, a plant that people may call cannabis or hemp, contains two active ingredients: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. CBD products may contain up to 0.3% THC.
Cannabis sativa
0.3%
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects a person’s blood glucose, or sugar, regulation. There is currently no cure, but a person can manage the condition with diabetes medications such as insulin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and biguanides.
Diabetes
insulin
Some research has looked into whether CBD oil can also help with diabetes, though it is not currently a regulated treatment for this condition.
CBD oil
Can CBD help with diabetes?
A 2021 case study suggests that CBD may be an option for people with type 2 diabetes who cannot use standard diabetes management methods. In this report, a person, with the support of their healthcare professional, discontinued insulin use in favor of CBD.
2021 case study
type 2 diabetes
However, it is important for people to always take any medication a healthcare professional prescribes. If a person wishes to use alternative therapies, such as CBD, they should always do so with the support and knowledge of their healthcare team.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for any conditions other than Epidiolex, which is a medication for seizures.
Epidiolex
However, there is some evidence that CBD may help with diabetes and inflammation.
Animal studies looking specifically at diabetes found that there may be some evidence that CBD is beneficial.
A 2021 review notes that CBD helps protect the retina from diabetes-related inflammation, vascular permeability, and neurotoxicity.
2021 review
Similarly, 2019 research suggests that CBD may protect the metabolism from injuries due to diabetes and cerebral ischemia.
2019 research
CBD may even be beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes. A 2020 study on rats found that higher doses of CBD can cause weight gain, increase insulin levels, and reduce glycemia.
type 1 diabetes
2020 study
However, it is important to note that all of these are animal studies — there has not been enough evidence that CBD positively affects diabetes in humans.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, people with arthritis are more likely to develop diabetes. This link may be due to inflammation as well as genetics and risk factors such as obesity and lower activity levels.
arthritis
more likely
inflammation
obesity
Learn more about the link between rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Learn more about the link between rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Much of the evidence that CBD may help reduce inflammation comes from animal studies.
A 2020 review found that using CBD oil alongside nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in dogs with osteoarthritis may help reduce pain.
2020 review
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
osteoarthritis
In another study from 2019, researchers found that a 30-day CBD treatment improved memory performance and reduced nerve inflammation in rats with chronic lack of blood flow to the brain and diabetes.
another study
Learn more about the best CBD for inflammation.
Learn more about the best CBD for inflammation.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
CBD
THC and diabetes
Diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy, which means the condition has caused nerve damage. This is more likely to affect people who smoke, have high blood pressure, or have obesity.
more likely
high blood pressure
CBD can contain THC, although the amounts should not lead to a psychoactive “high.” There is some evidence that THC may help neuropathic pain.
neuropathic pain
A 2020 review of animal studies investigated the effects of full-spectrum CBD for the treatment of neuropathic pain and inflammation. The researchers note that full-spectrum CBD — which means the product contains terpenes and THC — has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
2020 review
Learn about the best CBD for pain management.
Learn about the best CBD for pain management.
Recent research has also found that THC had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on rats with high insulin levels.
Recent research
Risks of taking CBD
It is important not to take CBD instead of the diabetes treatment a healthcare professional recommends. While there is some evidence that CBD may help diabetes management, there is not enough research on humans or enough studies on the long-term effects of CBD.
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects, such as:
such as
drowsiness
diarrhea
diarrhea
decrease in appetite
irritability and agitation
CBD can also cause side effects a person is not immediately aware of, such as liver injury or a reduction in fertility in males.
There is also the risk that CBD interacts with medication, changing the way these drugs work, such as increasing blood levels of blood-thinning medications.
increasing blood levels
The American Diabetes Association states that CBD can raise eye pressure, increasing the risk of glaucoma. As glaucoma is a potential complication of diabetes, people should discuss any risks with a healthcare professional.
American Diabetes Association
glaucoma
complication of diabetes
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the top questions regarding using CBD for diabetes.
No scientific studies show a direct effect of CBD on blood sugar.
Some healthcare professionals may recommend CBD oil for neuropathic pain, which may affect some people with diabetes.
However, there is currently insufficient research regarding the efficacy of CBD and how it interacts with medications to manage blood sugar levels.
A 2020 systematic review investigated the safety and efficacy of different CBD dosages in adults. The study concluded that there were insufficient data regarding the safety of CBD. However, the authors noted that most studies reported no adverse events following acute administration of CBD and mild to moderate effects following chronic administration of CBD.
2020 systematic review
Anyone considering taking CBD for their diabetes should consult a doctor to determine dosages and frequency of administration.
Summary
Diabetes is a condition that develops when a person has high blood sugar levels.
Although there is currently no cure, a person can manage and treat diabetes with medications to alleviate the symptoms and regulate their blood sugar level.
Some evidence suggests that CBD products may also help people with diabetes manage their condition.
People who are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications should seek medical advice before using any CBD products.