Diabetes is a condition which revolves around the production and the effectiveness of insulin in the human body. As many as 415 million people around the world suffer from either Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes. That means that for every 11 people, 1 of them is suffering from this condition.
For those people, cannabis may be an all-natural treatment that they can turn to to help control their symptoms. What research that has been done indicates that cannabis may be effective in helping to treat diabetes, though the research is still preliminary. Still, it’s a good excuse to break out your vapor pen! You can find products online, or if your jurisdiction allows get cannabis seeds to grow your own medicine.
What is Diabetes?
The cells within the human bodies require glucose to function. Glucose is found in the foods we eat, which is broken down through digestion. Insulin then distributes the insulin throughout the body. In a person with diabetes, however, this process isn’t happening as it should. The pancreas in those with diabetes either cannot produce enough insulin (type 1) or does produce insulin but doesn’t use it effectively (type 2).
The Two Types of Diabetes
Type-1 diabetes is an inherited condition where the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas cells that produce insulin. Often, patients with type-1 diabetes require insulin injections in order to survive.
Type-2 diabetes is an acquired form of diabetes in which the pancreas produces insulin, but not enough. It often begins with something called “insulin resistance” in which the body doesn't process insulin effectively. The pancreas begins producing more insulin to keep blood glucose levels up, but eventually, it is unable to keep up with the demand for more insulin. Often, these patients are prescribed medications which help the body to process insulin more efficiently.
Cannabis, Diabetes, and Medical Research
Medical science says that cannabis is proving to be promising in the treatment of both Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes.
One study, which was conducted in 2013, and lasted 5 years showed that cannabis users had fasting insulin levels which were 16% lower than those who did not. Cannabis may even help with insulin resistance as well, as cannabis users showed as having 17% less insulin resistance.
Another study involving the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis, which was conducted at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem indicated that these properties may help those with diabetes.
Diabetes, like any condition, responds better to some strains of cannabis than others. If you want to see if cannabis can help you with your diabetes, there are some strains you might want to seek out.
Harlequin
A rare strain that is very popular in the medical marijuana community, Harlequin has a high CBD to THC ratio. Harlequin is great for those who need symptom relief without feeling high or experiencing couch lock.
Green Crack
Green Crack and Harlequin share the property that they are both primarily daytime strains. Users report that Green Crack is uplifting and helps to provide focus. It’s great for depression, but skip it at night time, as it may affect your ability to sleep.
Doug’s Varin
You can’t talk about cannabis and diabetes without mentioning Doug’s Varin. Developed specifically with diabetics in mind, Doug’s Varin has high amounts of THC-V which may help to improve fasting insulin levels and lower blood glucose. Due to its high THC levels, Doug’s Varin might be best avoided during the day, but it’s a great strain to help get you to sleep at night.
For those with diabetes, cannabis might just prove to be an effective and beneficial all-natural treatment. It will also help those with diabetic neuropathy, a painful condition affecting many diabetics. If it is legal in your area, try using these strains in your dry herb vaporizer. Of course, speak with your doctor openly about considering cannabis as part of your treatment regimen before using it.
About the Author
Michael is a marketing and creative content specialist at GotVape.com with a primary focus on customer satisfaction. Technology and fitness combined with healthy lifestyle obsession are his main talking points
