Cannabis and Diabetes I Key Facts You Should Know

Cannabis, popularly known as marijuana, is gaining popularity daily. This is because of its increasing tolerance for usage, either for recreational purposes or health purposes. In the United States of America alone, 24 states have legislated on its use for recreation. It, therefore, means more people can have access to cannabis, including persons living with diabetes.

A new study reported in Diabetes Care describes an increase in cannabis use among people with diabetes. About 9% of adults with diabetes reported the use of cannabis in the past month. Most users were less than 50 years of age. The types of cannabis use that were considered included smoking, vaping, and edibles.

What Does This Mean for Diabetes Management?

While there are certain benefits to cannabis, which range from alleviating pains to a reduction in anxiety regarding diabetes, research on the apparent developments around cannabis-related activity isn’t as straightforward. Concerns include:

Blood Sugar: Very little is known regarding what effect cannabis will genuinely have on blood sugar. Some experts have expressed concern it may lead to ketoacidosis, amongst other complications, which is a severe condition related to high blood sugar levels.

Decision Making: The “high” from cannabis may affect judgment. This might lead to poor food choices or poor choices regarding the management of diabetes.

Heart Health: There is also fear that cannabis can increase the risk of heart disease since people with diabetes are already at an above-average risk.

What Do You Need to Do?

Since it has not yet been fully known what the complete effect of cannabis on diabetes is, it is encouraged that doctors discuss this with their patients. Discussion on potential risks and benefits and how cannabis use might affect the management of diabetes is in order.

This may also include the fact that more and more doctors have frank discussions with their patients regarding cannabis, discussing how it could affect one’s blood sugar and general health. Knowledge is power; the need to make informed decisions is based on the best available information.

Conclusion

Cannabis use is growing among people with diabetes, and it’s not known precisely how the use of cannabis will affect diabetes management. If you are using cannabis or are thinking about doing so-talk with your healthcare professional about how you can learn more about possible risks and effectively manage your diabetes.