One of the lesser known uses of CBD is to help with diabetes, preventing it or treating any insulin resistance. Today I am going to talk through how this is done.
Preventing Diabetes
The people most likely to get Type 2 diabetes often have insulin resistance and higher fasting insulin levels. A study showed that people who use cannabis and hemp on a regular basis had 16% lower fasting insulin levels than people who never used cannabis. They also had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as 17 percent lower insulin resistance levels than those who had never used cannabis.
Treating Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance happens when the body cells reject insulin produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar. When cells reject insulin, they can't absorb glucose needed for energy, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream, which leads to high blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a key cause of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Experts aren’t completely sure how CBD works to treat insulin resistance but many believe that it is due to CBD’s powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.
Studies show there is a connection between chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. When the inflammation is reduced, the immune system and cardiovascular system work better. A lack of inflammation can also improve cell growth and sugar metabolism. If all of this happens throughout the body, the chances of developing insulin resistance and diabetes are decreased.
Preventing Obesity
Obesity is a widely known cause of diabetes. Research has found that cannabis and hemp use has been linked to a smaller waist circumference, a lower BMI (body mass index) and decreased obesity levels. CBD does several different things in the body that contribute to its weight management benefits. In addition to helping people get rid of extra weight with inflammation, it can also act as an appetite suppressant. As a result, it would stop people from overeating and gaining weight.
Treating Neuropathy
For people who struggle with diabetes, neuropathy or nerve damage; normally, diabetics experience neuropathy in the hands and feet, but other organs can also be affected.
Common symptoms of this include pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area. Studies have suggested that CBD works better than conventional medicine when it comes to treating diabetic neuropathy. One study in particular found CBD could be used to relieve pain as well as prevent additional neuropathy. Experts believe this is because CBD may increase the body’s levels of nerve growth factor, and can also protect the liver from oxidative stress, which helps to stop the development of neuropathy.
Speeding Healing For Skin Complications
As well as neuropathy, many diabetics also suffer from chronic skin sensitivity and irritation. Common issues can include sores on the feet and rashes on various parts of the body. CBD can help heal these skin conditions and provide relief from the itching, burning, and general discomfort you get accompanies them. CBD’s moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits can help to soothe irritation, as well as speeding up the body’s natural healing processes. Studies suggest CBD has anti-aging properties that may be beneficial for healing and preventing painful skin conditions.
If you suffer from diabetes or anything similar, this might be the thing for you, healing your body and helping you cope.
