Cannabis and Blood Sugar: How Does It Affect Your Body?

I sometimes just sit about when things get quite and wonder about how to help people with their health. Then I transitioned into thinking about what we put in our bodies other than food and drinks. On a walk with my dog someone somewhere was smoking cannabis, then I wondered if it had any type of effect on our blood sugar. In no way am I promoting the use of it, but in some parts of the world it's legal, and there are those that use it to help with their medical conditions. So what else can it do?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that people use for many reasons, including relaxation, pain relief, and medical purposes. But have you ever wondered how it affects blood sugar? I have (because I'm that cool) Blood sugar, or glucose, is essential for our body because it gives us energy. If our blood sugar is too high or too low, it can cause problems.Lets take a look on how cannabis affects blood sugar and what that means for our health.

What is Blood Sugar, and Why Does It Matter?

Before diving into cannabis, let’s talk about blood sugar. When we eat food, our body breaks it down into glucose, a type of sugar. Glucose travels through our bloodstream and gives energy to our muscles, brain, and other parts of our body.

The pancreas, an organ near the stomach, produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps move glucose from our blood into our cells, where it can be used as energy. This process keeps the blood sugar levels balanced.

If our body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well, our blood sugar can get too high. This is called hyperglycemia. On the other hand, if our blood sugar drops too low, it’s called hypoglycemia. Both conditions can be dangerous.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant that contains chemicals called cannabinoids. The two most well-known cannabinoids are:

1. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): This is the part of cannabis that makes you feel "high."

2. CBD (cannabidiol): This doesn’t make you high but is believed to have calming and anti-inflammatory effects.

People use cannabis for different reasons. Some use it recreationally, while others use it medically for pain relief, anxiety, or other health issues. It can be smoked, vaped, eaten in edibles, or taken as oils or capsules.

How Does Cannabis Affect Blood Sugar?

Cannabis can have different effects on blood sugar depending on how much you use, how often you use it, and your overall health. Let’s break it down:

1. Cannabis Might Lower Blood Sugar

Some studies suggest that cannabis, especially THC, can lower blood sugar. This means it could cause hypoglycemia,.

Why does this happen? Scientists aren’t entirely sure, but cannabis may affect how your body uses insulin, making it better at moving glucose out of your blood and into your cells. If you’re someone who already has low blood sugar or takes medications like insulin, using cannabis might make your blood sugar drop even more.

2. Cannabis Might Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin sensitivity means how well your body responds to insulin. When your insulin sensitivity is good, your body can manage blood sugar levels more easily. Some research shows that regular cannabis users might have better insulin sensitivity, which could help keep their blood sugar levels balanced.

In fact, some studies found that cannabis users tend to have lower fasting insulin levels and a lower risk of diabetes compared to non-users. However, this doesn’t mean cannabis is a cure for diabetes or blood sugar problems!

3. Cannabis Can Also Raise Blood Sugar

On the flip side, cannabis can sometimes raise blood sugar. This might happen because of how your body reacts to stress or because of the foods you eat when you’re high.

Have you heard of the “munchies”? Cannabis, especially THC, can make you feel really hungry. If you snack on sugary or highly processed carb foods, your blood sugar might spike. So, while cannabis itself might not directly raise blood sugar, your eating habits while using it could.

4. It Depends on the Person

Everyone is different, so the way cannabis affects your blood sugar might not be the same as someone else. Your age, weight, health conditions, and whether you use cannabis regularly or occasionally can all play a role.

Cannabis and Diabetes

If you have diabetes and use cannabis, here’s what you should know:

Risks of Hypoglycemia

If cannabis lowers your blood sugar too much, it can cause hypoglycemia. Symptoms include feeling shaky, dizzy, or confused. Since cannabis can also make you feel “out of it,” it might be harder to recognise these symptoms. This can be dangerous if your blood sugar drops too low without you realising it.

Cannabis for Nerve Pain

One benefit of cannabis for people with diabetes is pain relief. Diabetes can cause a condition called neuropathy, which is nerve damage that leads to pain, tingling, or numbness, usually in the hands and feet. Cannabis, particularly CBD, might help reduce this pain.

Be Careful with the Munchies

Cannabis can make you crave snacks, but reaching for sugary treats can be harmful if you have diabetes. If you plan to use cannabis, try to prepare healthy snacks, like nuts or vegetables, instead of candy or chips.

The Role of THC and CBD

Not all cannabis is the same. The two main cannabinoids, THC and CBD, affect the body differently:

• THC: This is the psychoactive part of cannabis. It can lower or raise blood sugar and may cause the munchies.

• CBD: This doesn’t make you high and might have a stabilising effect on blood sugar. It’s also being studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, which could benefit people with diabetes.

If you’re considering cannabis for blood sugar management, you might want to focus on products with more CBD and less THC.

What the Science Says

While there’s a lot of interest in cannabis and blood sugar, research is still in the early stages. Some studies show promising results, but others are less clear.

For example:

• A 2013 study found that cannabis users had lower fasting insulin levels and smaller waistlines, both of which are linked to better blood sugar control.

• Other studies suggest that cannabis might improve insulin sensitivity and help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

• However, not all research agrees. Some studies suggest that cannabis can raise blood sugar in certain people.

  
  

More research is needed to fully understand how cannabis affects blood sugar and whether it’s safe and effective for people with diabetes.

Should You Use Cannabis to Manage Blood Sugar?

If you’re thinking about using cannabis to manage blood sugar, here are a few things to consider:

Talk to Your Doctor

Before trying cannabis, especially if you have diabetes or take medications, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits based on your personal health.

Monitor Your Blood Sugar

If you use cannabis, keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels. Check them regularly to see how your body reacts.

Start Low and Go Slow

If you’re new to cannabis, start with a low dose and see how it affects you. Everyone’s body reacts differently.

Choose the Right Products

If you’re worried about blood sugar, consider using CBD products instead of those high in THC. CBD may have fewer risks and more potential benefits.

Tips for Staying Healthy

Whether you use cannabis or not, here are some tips for keeping your blood sugar balanced:

1. Eat Healthy Foods: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks.

2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps your body use insulin better and keeps your blood sugar stable.

3. Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can make it harder to manage blood sugar.

4. Manage Stress: High stress can raise blood sugar levels. Try relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.

   
   

The Bottom Line

Cannabis can have both positive and negative effects on blood sugar. It might help improve insulin sensitivity or lower blood sugar, but it can also cause problems like hypoglycemia or lead to unhealthy eating habits.

If you’re considering using cannabis and have concerns about blood sugar or diabetes, talk to your doctor first. Pay attention to how your body reacts and make choices that keep you healthy.

Remember, everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. The most important thing is to stay informed and take care of your health!

Any questions please leave comments below. If you'd like some extra help in lowering your blood sugar go download my FREE PDF