Considering the effects of cannabis and type 1 diabetes

With another wave of states voting to legalize marijuana for either medical or recreational use in the 2020 election, there's never been so much buzz about legal cannabis and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Perhaps someone in your family or a close friend benefits from its use and now you're curious to give it a try.

As with any medication or supplement, there's an extra layer of concern when adding something new to your health routine as a person living with diabetes. If you've been wondering whether you can consume cannabis as a person with T1D, this information should help you figure out what's best for you.

What is cannabis?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, refers to a group of plants featuring the psychoactive ingredient THC, which produces the "high" associated with the drug. While frequently used for recreational purposes, cannabis has been found to aid in treating and alleviating symptoms in certain health conditions.

For many, it may feel strange to think about legal marijuana or even the medicinal use of cannabis. Federally, marijuana is still considered a Schedule I controlled substance. However, as of 2021, medical marijuana will be legal in 36 states and fully legal (including recreational use) in 15.

When it comes to both the public perception of marijuana and the way the medical community has begun to view the potential of the drug, it's clear to see that times are changing. Whether that impacts your choice to explore its use is up to you.

Your T1D might be a motivating factor for exploring it further, in the hopes of managing your chronic condition-related stress or pain from neuropathy. Conversely, living with T1D may be a prohibiting factor if you're concerned about adding unknowns to your self-care regimen.

How is cannabis consumed?

Anytime a person with diabetes eats or drinks, they have to consider what they're putting in their body. Are there carbs that require insulin? What about protein, fiber, or fat that might slow down the absorption? When it comes to consuming cannabis, it's important to consider what form it's in and how that might affect blood sugar or other health factors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking and vaping are known to damage the lungs. It can cause chronic bronchitis and may increase the likelihood of lung issues in people susceptible to infections, like those with frequent out-of-range blood glucose levels.

Edibles (food and drinks infused with cannabis) may offer a more measurable way to take a dose, without pulmonary or cardiovascular side effects. Just like any other consumable, it's important to look for high-quality ingredients from a reputable manufacturer, choose an appropriate serving, and count your carbs to take the necessary amount of insulin.

Cannabis tinctures are a type of medicine made by dissolving cannabis in alcohol or glycerin. Tinctures are typically consumed orally (usually under the tongue). Sometimes people mix the tincture drops into a beverage. There are usually few carbohydrates in tinctures, if at all.

Diabetes-related benefits of cannabis

Give yourself time to look into the potential positive and negative impacts of using cannabis and type 1 diabetes. There are both short-term and long-term effects to be aware of, and they may vary depending on how you choose to consume cannabis and in what quantity. Different strains of cannabis deliver different types of feelings, so be sure to speak with someone knowledgeable — such as a budtender at your local dispensary — who can help match you to the right product so you can benefit from the experience.

While there are still many unknowns about the effects of cannabis on the body, an increasing amount of research is exploring cannabis's role in health and wellness. In an article in The British Journal of Diabetes & Vascular Disease, the authors noted that the endocannabinoid system appears to have a role in several areas that are relevant to people with diabetes.

Benefits related to diabetes (and it's most common complications) may include:

Anti-inflammatory effects (including increased insulin sensitivity)
Improved circulation
Increased "beneficial" cholesterol (HDL)
Decreased blood pressure
Improved metabolism/weight management
Reducing high blood glucose overall (in addition to, not in place of, insulin therapy for people with T1D)

In addition to these potential benefits, an article published in Phytotherapy Research asserted that Cannabis sativa treatment has protective qualities for the prevention of nerve damage (perhaps the most prevalent of diabetes complications) as well as oxidative stress on the body.

What should you know before you try cannabis for the first time?

It's difficult to predict how cannabis will affect you, so it's best to plan ahead. Here are some things to do before you try it for the first time:

Check on your state's laws governing marijuana.
Discuss with your healthcare provider your interest, questions, and concerns about adding cannabis to your wellness routine. They can help provide science-based insight into cannabis use in the context of your diabetes and the desired outcomes you're looking to achieve.
Consult with a cannabis expert to learn more about the right product and an appropriate starting dose to meet your needs.
Make a plan to create a safe environment.
Prepare to monitor your glucose levels throughout your experience. When in an altered state, you might not notice the same physical signs of a blood sugar swing, so using a device like a continuous glucose monitor can help you stay alert with the help of high and low alarms.

Keep your diabetes management tools nearby. Whether you're on an insulin pump or prefer multiple daily injections, make sure your equipment is within reach. For instance, you may need to bolus if a light snack turns into a meal. Remember that the carbs you eat under the influence still need to be counted and dosed for appropriately!

Is cannabis right for you?

Revisiting the original question, the answer really depends on you. Yes, a person living with T1D can consume cannabis. It's a matter of whether that's something you want to do, based on your health status, personal needs, and the input of your trusted physician.

Looking into this further may allow you to find out that cannabis would be beneficial to your diabetes management and overall wellness. On the other hand, it might reveal that the potential side effects aren't worth the potential benefits for you. Either way, you'll have determined your individual answer to the question of whether or not cannabis may be an option for you as a person with T1D.

Curious to know how CBD, a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant separate from marijuana and THC, might interact with your diabetes? Learn more about how CBD and T1D interact on the Edgepark Health Insights blog.