Compare the Best CBD Oil for Diabetes in 2022

How CBD May Help With Diabetes

Diabetes, a group of metabolic diseases, produces high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). The two types of diabetes comprise type 1 and type 2⁽¹⁾. 

Individuals having type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, whereas people with type 2 diabetes do not respond to insulin⁽²⁾. 

Insulin is a type of hormone that allows glucose to enter cells in the human body to provide energy⁽³⁾. Blood glucose is the fuel that feeds cells⁽⁴⁾. 

Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to complications associated with the ECS (endocannabinoid system), including neuropathic pain⁽⁵⁾. Neuropathy, a nerve pain caused by nerve damage, is usually chronic. 

High blood sugar from diabetes may also damage blood vessels⁽⁶⁾ and the body’s immune system⁽⁷⁾.  

The ECS is responsible for maintaining bodily balance or homeostasis. 

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), found naturally in the resin of the cannabis plant, may interact with the ECS’ cannabinoid receptors⁽⁸⁾.  

The activation of the cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2 receptors) may have a potential role in managing diabetes and its complications⁽⁹⁾. 

CB2 receptors may also affect CBD-induced anti-inflammatory processes⁽¹⁰⁾. 

Meanwhile, CB1 receptors present within the pain pathways of the central nervous system may affect CBD-induced analgesia (loss of pain perception)⁽¹¹⁾. 

A 2020 study from Pain Research and Management mentioned that diabetic patients may also experience chronic pain(12). CBD may provide pain relief⁽¹³⁾. 

Additionally, an animal study suggests that CBD alone may lower incidences of diabetes⁽¹⁴⁾. Still, a longitudinal study involving humans is necessary to determine how CBD may help with diabetes. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Diabetes

Cannabidiol has shown promise as a pharmaceutical and therapeutic drug target⁽¹⁵⁾. Below are some of the possible benefits of CBD for diabetes:

Lower Insulin Resistance 

A study from the American Journal of Medicine with a sample of 4,657 adult males and females reported that marijuana users had 16% lower fasting insulin levels and 17% lower insulin resistance levels compared to non-users⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Although this study is not centered on CBD, researchers who want to explore the benefits of cannabis and its derivatives for diabetes may find the results helpful.  

Reduced Blood Pressure 

An article from Johns Hopkins Medicine mentioned that two-thirds of diabetic adults have blood pressure greater than 130/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) or use prescription drugs for hypertension⁽¹⁷⁾.  

A JCI Insight study suggested that a single dose of CBD may reduce blood pressure⁽¹⁸⁾. Still, more research is necessary to establish whether cannabidiol has a role in treating cardiovascular disorders or heart diseases. 

Reduced Pancreas Inflammation 

A randomized controlled trial from Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation hypothesized that CBD may reduce early pancreatic inflammation in type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice⁽¹⁹⁾.  

 

The pancreas is responsible for insulin production. Damage to insulin-producing cells in one’s inflamed pancreas can lead to diabetes⁽²⁰⁾.  

Improved Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels 

Obesity associated with chronic inflammation⁽²¹⁾ makes a person more likely to develop diabetes because of high blood glucose levels in the bloodstream⁽²²⁾. 

A study from Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry suggested that CBD may promote the fat browning process⁽²³⁾, turning fat white cells to brown cells or BAT (brown adipose tissue). 

BAT uses regular fat as fuel during activity or exercise⁽²⁴⁾. The fat browning process has also become a key focus area in research due to its potential to help with obesity⁽²⁵⁾. 

The putative usefulness of CBD for diabetes and related medical conditions is plausible considering the compound’s pharmacology. 

Still, more longitudinal research and clinical trials are necessary to elucidate whether using CBD oil and other CBD-derived products is good for diabetics. 

How to Take CBD Oil for Diabetes

If you want to use CBD oil products and other CBD-derived items for diabetes and overall wellness, below are important details to consider: 

CBD’s Onset Time for Diabetes

Inhalation, ingestion, sublingual (under the tongue) administration, and topical application are standard delivery methods for consuming CBD. 

CBD’s onset time depends on the administration route. For instance, the onset time of CBD via the inhalation route (vaping or smoking) is between 2 and 15 minutes, and its effect usually lasts from 2 to 4 hours⁽²⁶⁾.

However, nicotine, a primary agent in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes⁽²⁷⁾, is the main culprit in diabetes complications among smokers⁽²⁸⁾. Additionally, it is reported that nicotine may affect blood sugar levels⁽²⁹⁾.  

Meanwhile, the onset time of CBD via the sublingual route is between 15 and 30 minutes. CBD’s effects last from 2 to 4 hours⁽³⁰⁾. 

Unlike smoking, taking CBD under the tongue does not expose the lungs to heat. Hence, you can avoid dealing with a smoky taste, dry mouth, and throat irritation⁽³¹⁾. 

The capillaries under the tongue and within the mouth absorb CBD into the bloodstream before being swallowed⁽³²⁾. 

CBD Dosage for Diabetes

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recognize CBD as a medical treatment for diabetes. Thus, there is no standard CBD dosage for the condition.

Meanwhile, a randomized controlled trial from Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation suggested that 5mg CBD per kilogram of body weight, taken five times weekly for ten weeks, may reduce early pancreatic inflammation in type 1 diabetes⁽³³⁾.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the study was done on seven-week-old non-obese diabetic mice⁽³⁴⁾. 

CBD products used for diabetes symptoms are unregulated, and most studies are conducted on animal models. Hence, it is best to talk with a doctor well versed in cannabis use before taking CBD. 

Medical professionals can recommend an accurate dose for your specific health condition. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Diabetes?

How long CBD takes to help with diabetes depends on several factors, including the administration route, individual body weight, and form of CBD.

For instance, you may feel the effect of CBD via the sublingual route within 15 to 30 minutes⁽³⁵⁾.  

How Long Will CBD Help With Diabetes?

How long CBD’s effects will last after it starts to help with diabetes depends on its bioavailability.

Bioavailability is the extent to which a particular substance becomes entirely available to its intended biological destinations. 

The bioavailability of CBD via the sublingual route is between 6% and 20%⁽³⁶⁾.

How to Choose a Quality CBD Oil

Various CBD companies like NuLeaf Naturals and Medterra are dedicated to offering the best CBD products for their customers. 

However, with so many CBD brands promising high-quality CBD products, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your specific needs.

Below are a few pertinent factors to consider that may help you sort through different CBD products: 

Hemp Extract 

A full-spectrum CBD product contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including CBD and other cannabinoids, essential oils, flavonoids, and terpenes. 

Terpenes are the components of essential oils responsible for the aroma of cannabis⁽³⁷⁾. 

On the other hand, flavonoids are active compounds found in cannabis that are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral actions⁽³⁸⁾.

Full-spectrum CBD oil has no more than 0.3% THC concentration. This CBD variant is also known to provide the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect is a concept wherein the biologically active compounds of cannabis work better when administered together than individually. 

A study published in Frontiers in Plant Science suggested that the entourage effect in full-spectrum hemp extracts may produce better therapeutic benefits than pure CBD⁽³⁹⁾, known as CBD isolates.  

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is another CBD variant that contains all the natural compounds of cannabis. However, unlike full-spectrum CBD, this type of hemp extract is THC-free. 

Active Ingredients 

Always opt for CBD products made from U.S.-grown hemp or organic hemp if possible. In addition, make sure to choose CBD formats made with non-GMO, natural ingredients free from gluten.  

Most CBD formats available in the market include CBD topicals like creams and lotions, CBD edibles like gummies, CBD tinctures, and vapes. 

Extraction Method 

The extraction method is the process wherein CBD oil is derived from cannabis. 

Ethanol, solvent, or carbon dioxide extraction method is preferred to create a safe CBD product⁽⁴⁰⁾. On the other hand, extraction techniques utilizing hexane or butane may still have pesticides.

Carrier Oils 

The most commonly utilized carrier oils are MCT oil (medium-chain triglyceride oil), coconut oil, and hempseed oil⁽⁴¹⁾. Hempseed oil contains nutrients and fatty acids, although it does not have CBD⁽⁴²⁾.  

Third-Party Lab Testing

The best way to check whether a CBD product contains what the brand says it does is to look at the lab reports and COAs (certificates of analysis).   

The COAs or lab test results must be up-to-date and come from a trusted third-party laboratory. 

Comparing the information on the COA with the details included on the product label is essential. This way, you will know whether there are labeling inaccuracies. 

A study from the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that of tested CBD products sold online, about 26% contained less CBD than labeled, possibly negating any potential clinical response⁽⁴³⁾. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Diabetes

Aside from CBD’s numerous therapeutic potential⁽⁴⁴⁾, the WHO (World Health Organization) reported that the compound is relatively safe and generally well tolerated by humans and animals⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

Still, CBD may carry some risks and induce minor side effects, such as⁽⁴⁶⁾: 

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 

In addition, since CBD is not a biologically inert compound, it may interact with other medical treatments and conditions⁽⁴⁷⁾.  

An article from Harvard Health Publishing mentioned that taking cannabidiol with other medications with similar side effects may increase the risk of toxicity and unwanted symptoms⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

For instance, taking CBD with stimulants may lead to reduced appetite, whereas taking the compound with metformin, a diabetes drug, may increase the risk of diarrhea⁽⁴⁹⁾. 

Legality of CBD

The U.S. Congress ratified the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing the commercial use of industrial hemp and products obtained from hemp plants⁽⁵⁰⁾.

The Farm Bill indicates that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are deemed legal under federal law⁽⁵¹⁾.

Some states have passed laws allowing the use of recreational and medical marijuana. 

For instance, Colorado permits recreational and medical marijuana use. The local government decriminalized the use of marijuana by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution in November 2012⁽⁵²⁾. 

Still, even if a specific state law indicates that CBD is legal, the only FDA-approved CBD drug is Epidiolex, used to treat rare and severe forms of epilepsy.