What Are the Benefits and Risks of CBD for Type 2 Diabetes?
During the past few years, CBD has increasingly been identified as a “miracle drug”, also helping type 2 diabetes. If you’ve made it this far into 2022 without knowing what CBD is, and the health benefits it’s purported to produce, then you probably deserve some award because it seems like no health realm remains untouched by the claims of CBD.
While many claims are made about CBD and its advantages, they’re health benefits to using CBD, backed by clinical studies. Specifically regarding CBD used for managing type 2 diabetes. Before we explain why and how CBD can help type 2 diabetics and their symptoms, let us first understand what CBD and type 2 diabetes is.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes, is diagnosed when the body has difficulty regulating and using sugar. In cases of type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to regulate sugar intake properly, and the cells within the body do not respond well to insulin. As a result, your cells take in less sugar.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes. You can lose weight, adjust your eating habits and lifestyle. Moreover, exercise can lessen the symptoms, but it may be something you struggle with for life. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include heart disease, nerve pain and damage, lowered immune system, and many other complications.
Due to their many side effects, many people are searching for alternatives to diabetes medication. CBD is the latest to the scene for managing diabetes symptoms.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in marijuana. It has no psychoactive qualities and does not get you high, but it has certain effects that people find helpful in dealing with chronic illnesses.
The only FDA-approved use for CBD as a prescribed medicine is to treat epilepsy. But CBD is commonly used for managing anxiety and pain due to chronic illness. CBD is also gaining popularity for relieving the symptoms of diabetes.
Can CBD be Used to Manage Type 2 Diabetes?
The short and somewhat elusive answer would be–maybe? If you’re considering CBD to manage type 2 diabetes symptoms, you’ll have to do so with a grain of salt.
Many researchers say there’s not enough scientific evidence to support claims of CBD lowering insulin levels, and that there could potentially be adverse effects for using CBD to try to do so.
But as far as managing chronic nerve pain that results from type 2 diabetes, there is more evidence to support that CBD can help. High blood sugar levels can damage your nerve endings, resulting in chronic numbness, tingling, or pain that makes everyday activities challenging.
For years, CBD users have claimed that ingesting the oil helps them manage their chronic pain. Therefore, using it to ease the discomfort or pain of type 2 diabetes could potentially help.
The Takeaway
The long and short of it is, CBD studies are few and between at this time. You can consult your doctor to get a second opinion about the potential of using CBD, but the choice is ultimately yours. CBD products are legal and easy to obtain, especially with services like home deliveries or in-store pickup. You can even order products online if you want to give them a try.
CBD is a natural alternative to taking prescribed medications. If that is something you feel strongly about, give it a try to help naturally ease your discomfort. With less pain thanks to CBD, type 2 diabetics can increase their exercise levels and start their goal towards a healthier lifestyle.
