DIABETES: MORE THAN BLOOD SUGAR

On Diabetes Alert Day it is fitting to discuss not only attempts at managing the disease, but also contributing factors and other conditions related to the disease.

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For some time I have been recommending whole plant cannabis CBD for patients with Diabetes. We have seen a substantial lowering of their glucose levels in those with Type II Diabetes including several patients’ Hemoglobin A1C levels normalize so they are able to stop their Type II Diabetes medications.

The first time I saw this with a Diabetic, he called me after having some hypoglycemic episodes while taking CBD in addition to his Metformin. I told him to stop his Metformin and continue his CBD. His glucose levels normalized and he remained off Metformin. This is a good demonstration of blood sugar control over a three-month period. With any patient with Type II Diabetes, I “warn” them about this.

With regard to cholesterol, Diabetes can raise “bad” cholesterol levels and lower “good” cholesterol levels. Once a patients blood sugar levels are stable, if they are on a statin I will often discuss with the patient and their primary care doc, the idea of stopping the statin and monitoring their cholesterol levels. The drop in cholesterol is not overnight. It can take some months for reasons we don’t yet understand. However, we are seeing improvements in cholesterol levels and many patients remain off their statins.

We have also seen improvements ranging from apparent stabilization of macular degeneration and help with neuropathic pain. Sometimes combined with THC, CBD is a vascular and renal protectant.

Finally with regard to weight and Diabetes, there is certainly a connection to being overweight and the onset of Diabetes. I have written about the effect of CBD on curbing appetite before. The ability to achieve weight loss with CBD is real.

So, when discussing CBD and Diabetes, it is a multipronged approach. Helping patients with weight, cholesterol and glucose issues. I believe this is all happening on a number of metabolic levels, such as bringing the sensitivity of insulin back to normal.

So, help with many major issues resulting from, and associated with diabetes can be achieved with CBD. For certain, it is worth a try.

References:

Cholesterol and CBD

Glucose and CBD

Glucose and CBD II

Cholesterol Abnormalities and Diabetes

Marijuana and Glucose, Insulin, and Insulin Resistance

Diabetic Retinopathy

Author

Allan Frankel, MD Dr Allan Frankel is one of the few physicians in the US who truly understands Cannabis as a medicine. All treatments suggested have been well studied. Every patient seen by Dr Frankel is given a personally created Treatment Plan created with the patient's specific issues defined. Plant medicine requires "tuning" of the dosing. Dr Frankel works with his patients thru a messaging portal. The use of this portal, allows quick and simple follow up contact with Dr Frankel. Patients are not charged for these messages, as this is how Dr Frankel has learned what he has learned. Follow up appointments in person or by phone/video are also available when needed