Medical Marijuana For Diabetes
Roughly 1 in 10 people have been diagnosed with diabetes, and 1 in 5 people with diabetes don’t even realize it. Although there are treatments to help, is medical marijuana a possible solution?
What Is Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) health condition that prevents your body from turning food into energy. As soon as you eat, your body breaks down the food you consume into sugar (also called glucose). It then releases it into your bloodstream, and when your blood sugar rises, your pancreas releases insulin, which will then allow sugar to enter the cells so the body can use it as energy.
Types Of Diabetes
Diabetes has been categorized into three main groups, Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.
The diagnosis and management of diabetes are determined by testing your glucose level in a blood test. There are three common tests to measure blood sugar levels: fasting glucose test, random glucose test, and the A1C test.
Type 1 Diabetes: A genetic disorder, previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Although typically occurring in childhood or adolescents, it can also take place in adults.
Type 2 Diabetes: A lack of insulin – a hormone that is responsible for regulating sugar movement into your cells – results in your cells being unable to respond to it effectively, and therefore absorbing less sugar.
Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. It causes hyperglycemia and can affect pregnancy and the health of the baby, and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If possible, see your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant. The doctor can then assess the risk of gestational diabetes and overall health.
Treatment for type 1 diabetes often requires insulin shots or an insulin pump. Treating type 2 diabetes usually involves lifestyle changes and medications and/or insulin. Both types require monitoring of blood sugar.
But how does marijuana help diabetes?
Medical Marijuana And Diabetes
We will now examine the question that is being debated among scientists and health professionals: can medical marijuana help with diabetes?
Murray Mittleman, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and lead researcher, claims “The most important finding is that current users of marijuana appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than non-users. Their fasting insulin levels were lower, and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced by their body to maintain a normal blood-sugar level.”
People with diabetes benefit from medical marijuana use in a number of ways, including increased insulin, lower obesity risk, anti-inflammatory properties, protection against retinopathy, and the relief of neuropathic pain.
Now that we have established medical marijuana is beneficial for diabetics, you may be wondering: does diabetes qualify for medical marijuana? Or can I get a medical marijuana card for diabetes?
Can You Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Diabetes?
You should talk to your doctor about whether medical marijuana is suitable for the treatment of diabetes. If you and your doctor determine that medical marijuana is suitable for your situation, you will be prescribed medical marijuana depending on legal status in your area.
If you live in Colorado and would like to read the most up-to-date qualifying conditions, check out our qualifying conditions page or submit a free MMJ Card Pre-check here.
If you need a doctor’s approval to use medical marijuana, make an appointment with one of our medical professionals.
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