CBD oil benefits for diabetes: is this possible? First things first. Before we look at the current state of research connected to CBD oil benefits for diabetes, what is diabetes all about? How does it start? What aspect of the disease could respond to CBD? Let's take a look.
When we eat, sugar enters our blood. Insulin, a hormone, sends it into the cells as fuel. If the body stops making insulin, the sugar can't be absorbed, and diabetes sets in. Diabetes type 1 and 2 have distinct origins, but both present that issue.
In diabetes type 1, the body produces little or no insulin. This is an uncommon condition, costly to treat.
Once called "adult-onset diabetes," diabetes type 2—with its hallmarks, insulin resistance and inflammation—is rising in all age groups. More than a million adults across the country are diabetic or prediabetic. Doctors may recommend exercise, and tell us to avoid bread, pasta, and sugary foods, while shifting to whole grains and vegetables. In some cases they prescribe insulin.
What About CBD Oil for Diabetes? Are There Any Scientific Findings?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a compound extracted from the hemp plant. There is a great deal of hope surrounding CBD research. The FDA recently approved a CBD epilepsy drug. Many people are hoping for new research findings involving CBD oil for diabetes.
What Has Not Been Shown at This Point
While some studies have been done, there isn't a body of clinical research demonstrating that CBD oil decreases the risk of diabetes in individuals or groups of people. Nor do we have any findings showing that CBD oil can manage cholesterol levels or the glucose levels in the human bloodstream. Research is ongoing, but we do not have anything clear to report, one way or the other.
Research showing ways to managing glucose levels in the blood would be a game-changer. So far, no substantial findings are available to affirm that CBD oil for diabetes would be able to lower the diabetic's high blood sugar levels. This may change, as Israeli researchers are working on the CBD-diabetes question.
What Looks Promising Now
As an anti-inflammatory compound, research with CBD does show some promise. Therefore, we expect CBD for diabetes to become a growing area of scientific interest, considering cannabidiol might prove helpful in preventing the damage inflammation causes to the blood vessel walls.
Science is also looking into the ways CBD oil is able to relieve pain for people with various conditions.
Significantly, CBD oil is one of the compounds from Cannabis sativa that engages a system of receptors present throughout our bodies. This system is the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Our internal ECS includes two kinds of receptors for cannabinoids: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. The CB2 receptors are more prevalent in our immune systems. They play roles in both pain and inflammation.
So, the way CBD works in the body is by engaging one of our bodies' own systems to stimulate our natural production of cannabinoids. This is why the benefits of CBD in diabetes-related discomfort can make a difference.
Neuropathy in the feet is a particular condition affecting many people who live with diabetes. And here again, CBD shows pain-relieving potential in recent studies.
CBD can also engage our natural "happy chemical," serotonin. This can increase an overall sense of comfort and well-being. Diabetes-associated depression has been "largely understudied" according to pharmacological research. The research finds that depletion of brain's serotonin levels occurs over time in diabetics, and it impacts mood and quality of life. Thus, it is interesting that CBD oil may be able to stimulate the body's response to serotonin.
While CBD doesn't necessarily raise serotonin levels, it may be able to change your brain's chemical response to the serotonin levels present in the brain.
How to Use CBD for Diabetes
Use the dropper to place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue two to three times daily. From under the tongue, it quickly moves into the bloodstream. Alternatively, add drops to any drink or smoothie, and swish it around your mouth for a minute before swallowing.
We are sometimes asked, how much should you take for diabetes? We think it's best to start low, go slow, and take stock of whether your CBD oil dosage for diabetes makes an impact. Gradually raise your dose to where you personally want it. So, you might start with the lowest potency in full-spectrum CBD oil, yet be mindful that chronic pain can call for raising your dose over time.
So, when asking how much CBD oil should you use, the answer is not rigid. Because CBD is not psychoactive, you do not have to worry that it could get you "high" or impact your ability to work or drive. CBD is safe, the World Health Organization has confirmed.
Talk with your doctor first, to create your plan and be sure CBD will in no way impede your current treatment and prescriptions. If you need insulin, continue taking it as your doctor directs. Important note: CBD oil can complement established treatments. CBD is not a replacement for your doctor's instructions or for prescribed drugs.
