You've probably heard online, or from a friend, that something called CBD oil is good for diabetes. A lot of people are talking about it these days, right? So today, let's see if this story is true or not, what the medical science really says about it, and what we need to be careful about if we use it.
Let's first see, what is CBD?
Simply put, CBD is an abbreviation for the word Cannabidiol . These are obtained from the Cannabis plant. But there is something that many people confuse here. When we think of cannabis, we think of an intoxicating feeling. But CBD is not the chemical that causes that intoxicating feeling, that is, the feeling of being "high" in the head. That intoxicating feeling is caused by another chemical called THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) .
So, CBD is a chemical compound found in the hemp plant that is non-intoxicating but is thought to have some health benefits. In terms of diabetes, research is underway to see if CBD can help control blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation in the body, and reduce nerve pain caused by diabetes.
What does the research really say?
This is where we need to be most concerned. Most of the research that has been done on CBD and diabetes has been done on mice and laboratory animals . This is a big problem. Because just because it works in animals, it's not 100% certain that the same results will be achieved in humans.
Remember, due to laboratory conditions and biological differences between animals and humans, there is no guarantee that what works in animals will work in humans.
Okay, so let's see what the research on these animals has found.
Results of animal studies
- Lowering blood sugar levels: One study found that when CBD was given to rats with diabetes that had reduced blood flow to the brain, their high blood sugar levels (`Hyperglycemia`) were reduced.
- Lowering cholesterol levels: The same research found that CBD also helped reduce "bad" cholesterol and fat levels.
- Increasing insulin production: This has also been shown to increase the production of insulin in the body.
Several other studies have yielded similar results. Let's see them clearly in a table.
| Findings from animal research | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Reducing nerve pain and inflammation | CBD has been shown to help control numbness, inflammation, and chronic pain (neuropathic pain) in people with diabetes. |
| Reducing the risk of diabetes | Another study found that CBD may also have the potential to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. |
| Promoting "good" fats | CBD oil helps convert "bad" white fat in the body into healthy brown fat. This increases the efficiency with which the body uses glucose (sugar). |
These may seem like a miracle cure, but again, these are still in the early stages of research .
The difference between CBD and THC
Remember how I said earlier that THC causes the high? In one study, people with type 2 diabetes were given CBD, but their blood sugar and cholesterol levels didn't change much. However, when they were given a certain type of THC, they showed some improvement in those levels. In the same study, CBD helped reduce insulin resistance and increase gut hormone levels.
This shows that this story is not as simple as it seems. The relationship between CBD, THC, and our bodies is very complex.
Why do we have to be so careful?
This is the most important part. CBD products come in many forms on the market. They come in drops, capsules, and even vapes.
But the biggest danger here is that in many countries, including Sri Lanka, these CBD products are not properly regulated . The only CBD product approved by an agency like the FDA in the United States is as a medicine to treat two types of epilepsy.
That means there's no guarantee that the CBD oil you buy from the store will contain exactly what's on the label. Imagine if the label said CBD, but it had a little bit of the psychoactive THC mixed in? Or what if the amount of CBD on the label wasn't actually there? This is a very risky business.
Possible side effects
CBD is not completely harmless, and some people may experience side effects.
- Feeling very tired
- Constant drowsiness
- Diarrhea (stomach ache)
- Dry mouth
| Possible problems and side effects of using CBD | |
|---|---|
| Side effects | Fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhea, and dry mouth may occur. |
| Interaction with other drugs | CBD can interact with medications, especially blood thinners, which can be very dangerous. |
| Lack of regulation | There is no guarantee about the contents and quantities of the product. There is a risk of containing harmful substances. |
Especially if you are taking a blood thinner like Warfarin , you should definitely talk to your doctor before even considering CBD, as there is a risk of unexpected bleeding when the two are taken together.
Take-Home Message
- CBD is not an approved, proven treatment for diabetes, and research on it is still very preliminary.
- Many CBD products on the market are not properly regulated, so there is no guarantee of their quality, safety, or ingredients.
- CBD use can cause side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness, and diarrhea.
- Using CBD can be very dangerous if you are taking any other medication, especially blood thinners.
- If you are considering using CBD or any other supplement, please consult your doctor first. Don't take any risks with your health.
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