If you are reading this article on cbdhaber.com, you may wonder whether CBD really is a miracle compound. The good news is that recent research suggests it might be.

Given how common and destructive type 1 diabetes is, this is exciting. According to an International Diabetes Federation study, one person worldwide dies of diabetes every eight seconds. Classified as an autoimmune disease, diabetes involves an immune attack that destroys pancreatic cells, leaving the body unable to produce insulin.

Before discussing how CBD might help with type 1 diabetes, let us look at the disease, its symptoms and its effects.

Type 1 diabetes is an inherited condition over which individuals have little control. Type 2 diabetes, by comparison, is generally associated with lifestyle factors and choices such as diet, exercise and weight management. Type 1 diabetes has numerous effects, from gout and skin infections to cardiovascular and brain damage.

Since type 1 diabetes is autoimmune and CBD is known to help strengthen the immune system, it makes sense that CBD might help regulate various systems and conditions, including type 1 diabetes. Research continues, but early findings are promising and suggest a positive effect on the pancreas.

What does CBD do for the pancreas?

A study published in Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation found that CBD improved inflammation caused by type 1 diabetes in mouse pancreases. It also showed a lower overall occurrence of the disorder, with potentially positive implications for future human studies. The compound has additionally been shown to reduce the insulin a patient needs to achieve target blood glucose levels and function.

How does CBD affect insulin levels?

Insulin is found in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands and immune cells to maintain a stable internal environment regardless of external fluctuations. Endocannabinoids such as CBD help the body achieve homeostasis, and interestingly, CB1 receptors have been found where insulin is produced.

Insulin dysfunction is the main underlying factor in diabetes. A 2013 American Journal of Medicine publication examined cannabis's effects on fasting insulin and insulin resistance. Based on a five-year study, results showed 16% lower fasting insulin and 17% lower insulin resistance compared with patients who had never used cannabis.

What other effects does diabetes have? How might CBD help?

  • Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle cannot circulate blood effectively. One study found CBD eased myocardial dysfunction by reducing cardiac fibrosis, oxidative and nitrative stress, inflammation and cell death resulting from diabetes.

  • Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Research suggests CBD is emerging as a therapeutic tool for inflammatory retinal diseases.

  • Diabetic inflammation can worsen patients' discomfort and plays a key role in developing insulin resistance. Excess fat tissue restricts glucose utilization, resulting in high blood sugar. Because CBD is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it may be used to treat inflammation and improve metabolism.

  • Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is commonly associated with diabetes. Insufficient blood flow limits sensation, especially in the extremities. Symptoms may include constant pain, tingling, numbness, temperature sensitivity, balance problems or pain on touch. Conventional treatments do not always work and may cause adverse effects. CBD may offer relief: it has been shown to reduce infarcts, areas of tissue death from insufficient blood flow, by up to 30%.

  • Lowering blood pressure is vital for people with diabetes. One study found that CBD users had lower overall blood pressure during different tests.

In brief, CBD oil's medical potential and therapeutic benefits for diabetes should come as no surprise.

Many people with diabetes worldwide use CBD daily to address symptoms while improving overall quality of life. With increasing research and updated knowledge, CBD seems likely to reach more people in the future.

Note: This is not medical advice! Please do not use CBD or its by-products without consulting your doctor first.