Did you know diabetes affects millions upon millions of Americans each year? Well, now you do, as diabetes has become what many consider to be an epidemic that’s only getting worse with each generation. This potentially deadly disease is considered manageable, through everything from changes to diet, to medications that are notoriously expensive.
When it comes to managing diabetes “the natural way”, many people are looking to cannabidiol (CBD, hemp’s dominant chemical compound. CBD, being natural, nonintoxicating and nontoxic, has been lauded for its positive effects on the body and mind, although few have actually considered what it can do for diabetes in particular. Studies have shown that CBD may be able to address the disease in more ways than one, as you’re about to find out.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a term used to describe specific conditions that negatively affect the way in which the body uses and processes glucose (blood sugar). Glucose is a critical source of energy for the body, and even has a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function as well as the tissue of the muscles. In diabetes sufferers, glucose levels are elevated, and our insulin production is compromised. Insulin is a hormone found in the pancreas that helps regulate glucose levels, and insufficient insulin levels lead to elevated glucose, resulting in a variety of symptoms.
Now, let’s take a look at the 2 main types of diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a potentially deadly form of diabetes in which the body cannot produce insulin on its own, leaving glucose levels unchecked in the body. Those who have this condition must take insulin regularly in order to survive.
Type 2 Diabetes
Those with Type 2 diabetes have what’s called, “insulin resistance”, which means that while their body does produce insulin, the body fails to use it efficiently, and so blood sugar levels can become excessive. Although it is easier to manage, glucose levels can still get high to the point of being very dangerous, potentially leading to a diabetic coma if not managed.
What Causes Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that has many potential causes, although diet is easily one of the most preventable, and many experts argue that our culture’s reliance on fast food to eat affordably is playing a large role in the epidemic-like status of the disease that we see today. Consuming too much sugar causes consistently elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to insulin resistance over time. Keep in mind that heavy alcohol consumption can lead to high blood sugar levels as well.
Diabetes can also be a genetically inherited disease, as those who are born into a family that has a history of diabetes are more likely to develop it later on in life. Other potential causes include excessive stress, due to cortisol’s impact on glucose, as well as smoking and obesity.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Someone who suffers from diabetes can experience any number of symptoms which can vary in terms of severity. The most common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Sugar cravings
- Excessive hunger
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Frequent infections
- Neuropathic pain
- Circulator issues
- Vision problems
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
What Role Might CBD Have in Managing Diabetes?
CBD was discovered in the 1960s, and so we actually have more research to access than many realize. Among the many properties for which cannabidiol has been analyzed over the years in clinical studies, there are some research papers that show a clear potential effect that CBD may have on diabetes in particular.
In one study, one half of a group of mice were administered CBD and the other group was not. Blood sugar in all of the mice were elevated. The study found that the mice who had been given CBD did not receive a diabetes diagnosis, while the mice who had not been given CBD did. This shows that cannabidiol may play a role in at least delaying the onset of diabetes. More research found that cannabidiol appears to have a regulatory effect on insulin levels.
It’s important to remember that CBD works with our endocannabinoid system – the system of the body that sends cannabinoids to cannabinoid receptors to regulate processes of the body, to bring us into homeostasis. Glucose and insulin levels are able to be regulated through the endocannabinoid system, and it’s become clear that CBD has a positive effect on these processes. In fact, researchers have found a strong link between diabetes onset and endocannabinoid system efficiency, illuminating the potential that cannabidiol has to prevent diabetes from occurring.
CBD Oil: The Best Option for Diabetes Sufferers?
There are a number of different kinds of CBD products on the market that all have generally high levels of effectiveness, but CBD oil may be the best option for those with diabetes, or high blood sugar. They make for a great alternative to CBD gummies, which naturally, many diabetics or prediabetics will want to avoid as they’re sweet. CBD oil consists of pure hemp extract blended with an unsweetened carrier oil, and is administered as a tincture, below the tongue. The effects accumulate with each dose to generally support the body’s process of utilizing glucose and insulin.
The CBD Oil at Muscle MX
It’s clear that cannabidiol may play a surprising role in supporting the body in a way that’s helpful against diabetes. At Muscle MX, our Full Spectrum CBD Drops are extremely bioavailable, allowing the body to really utilize each serving of cannabidiol. This 30ml bottle contains 1000 milligrams of full spectrum hemp extract, which contains every naturally occurring cannabinoid, terpene, flavonoid and nutrient in the hemp plant, and naturally yields a high concentration of cannabidol itself. A single dropper of oil below the tongue daily is all that you need to experience what CBD is truly capable of.
If you do have diabetes, talk to your doctor about incorporating CBD into your routine, letting them know any medications that you may take. The studies that have been conducted over the years show a surprising amount of promise, all while cannabidiol is gentle and nontoxic to the body.
