Cannabis and diabetes – be aware of the cardiovascular risks.
If you visit Canada this summer, the smell of cannabis smoke is almost unavoidable on many city streets. This is because Canada legalized cannabis for medical and recreational use in 2018.
While we have seen the positive effects of cannabis for various medical conditions, including epilepsy, autism, cancer pain, PTSD, and more, it’s important to note that cannabis may not be beneficial for everyone, especially children.
A recent study from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine revealed a significant increase in cannabis use among adults with diabetes in the United States, raising concerns about potential health outcomes.
The study, based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, found that 9.0% of adults with diabetes had used cannabis in the past month, marking a 33.7% increase in prevalence between 2021 and 2022.
Given the potential risks associated with cannabis use, especially for individuals with diabetes who are already susceptible to cardiovascular issues, healthcare providers should screen for cannabis use and educate patients on the potential risks and benefits. Further research is needed to understand the effects of cannabis on diabetes outcomes and develop evidence-based guidelines for its use in this population.
The study, published in Diabetes Care on July 22, 2024, underscores the importance of addressing polysubstance use among adults with diabetes to mitigate health risks.
