CBD and Diabetic Neuropathy
CBD has been linked to various uses in medicine. Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy can be added to the list. Diabetes is defined as a chronic elevation in blood sugar (glucose) levels. The body controls elevated blood sugar by producing insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin helps by facilitating the glucose to enter into cells, thereby removing it from the bloodstream and reducing overall blood sugar. The cells then use the glucose for energy and cell processes or stored for future use.
One can be diagnosed with diabetes of various types. Type I diabetics produce little to no insulin, usually at a young age, and need insulin injections. Type II diabetics produce an ineffective insulin, are diagnosed usually after their 20’s, and need diabetic medications. They may also require insulin at some point. Gestational diabetes occurs when sugars remain high only around the pregnancy period.
A sustained high level of blood sugar can be damaging to arteries and nerves. Since the vascular and nervous systems are present throughout every part of our body, being diabetic can affect many body organs and systems. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when elevated sugars destroy nerve endings and block normal signals from nerve endings to the spinal cord or brain.
People with diabetic neuropathy can experience numbness, tingling, pins/needles, burning, or any combination of these symptoms. It typically occurs in the hands and feet because these are furthest away from the heart, and least likely to get positive effects from blood flow.
CBD has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, increase insulin production, and lower cholesterol (which in turn leads to better blood flow and less heart disease). Since it has been shown to lower elevated blood sugar, it can therefore decrease the potential for diabetic neuropathy.
In mice and rat studies, there was a significant reduction in blood sugar levels. Various human studies are showing at least a 50% reduction in pain or nerve symptoms while using CBD.
Current treatments for diabetic neuropathy are numerous, whether it be topical or oral remedies or even non-Western medicine options like acupuncture or hypnosis. Using CBD as an oil, gummy, liquid, or tablet can provide another weapon in the arsenal against this very painful and debilitating disease.
