CBD FOR DIABETES NEUROPATHY

Generally, CBD’s effects on diabetes have not been done on human beings. Instead, it has taken place on mice and rats. A study by Jesus, et al. (2019), on mice with less blood flow in the brain, which is a diabetes compilation for some people, showed that it reduced pain in rats, reduced high blood sugar and lowered cholesterol levels, and also increased the production of insulin.

Several people suffering from various ailments are trying to turn to CBD products because they are associated with great benefits. Research is underway in fully exploiting the benefits of cannabinoids, especially CBD. There’s hope in many people, especially those suffering from chronic illness when they turn to CBD oil. However, some get scared away by associating CBD with marijuana and its effects, such as the ‘high’ feeling and feeling cognitively impaired. People also fear its illegality in other places. However, there is more about CBD and diabetes neuropathy.

What is Diabetes Neuropathy?

Diabetes is a health condition characterized by very high sugar levels or very low sugar levels. There are two types of diabetes, i.e., diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerve that occurs if one has diabetes. It affects nerves found in the legs and feet. Symptoms of diabetes neuropathy gradually develop; therefore, at times, one might not realize until significant damage has occurred to the nerves. There are four main types of neuropathies.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Also known as distal symmetric neuropathy. It is a common kind of neuropathy in diabetes patients. The feet and legs are first affected, then the arms and hands. Its signs and symptoms are normally worse at night. Some of the signs include a burning sensation, serious problems on the foot, cramps and sharp pains, and reduced ability to detect pain or changes in temperature.

Autonomic Neuropathy

The autonomic nervous system is in charge of the stomach, bladder, heart, sex organs, and intestines. Therefore, diabetes can affect nerves in any area listed, leading to bowel and bladder problems, reduced sexual response, gastroparesis, and hypoglycemic unawareness.

Proximal Neuropathy

This neuropathy affects nerves located in the hips, thighs, buttocks, or legs. Its symptoms are felt on one side of the body. They include severe stomach pains, difficulty standing up, and chronic pain in the thigh, hip, or buttock.

Focal /Mononeuropathy

This is damage to a particular nerve. Damage to the nerves may lead to paralysis, numbness on the hand or figure, aching at the back of one eye, and difficulty focusing.

What is CBD?

CBD is an extract from the cannabis sativa plant. CBD is from a hemp plant and the cannabis plant. Hemp does not contain THC; therefore, it can't get you high. The three types of CBD are; the full spectrum, broad-spectrum, and pure CBD isolate. Most CBD products displayed on the shelves have full-spectrum CBD; therefore, they have almost all CBD compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. CBD functions hand in hand with the endocannabinoid system to bring about a homeostatic balance in the body. According to research done by UCLA, the endocannabinoid system is involved in processes such as memory, pain, stress, metabolism, appetite, etc. Most people turn to CBD   to elevate chronic pain. Generally, CBD is a remedy for fatigue, nausea, and insomnia.

How Does CBD Work in Helping Diabetic Patients?

Generally, CBD’s effects on diabetes have not been done on human beings. Instead, it has taken place on mice and rats. A study by Li, et al. (2018), on mice with less blood flow in the brain, which is a diabetes compilation for some people, showed that CBD   helps in reducing high blood sugar, lowering cholesterol levels, and also increasing the production of insulin.

Further studies by Philpott, et al. (2018), suggested that CBD reduced pain and swelling brought about by damaged nerves. CBD keeps neuropathic pain and inflammation at bay that affects both the feet and hands of diabetic people. CBD also lowers risks brought about by diabetes. It also encourages good fat. Apparently, there are clinical trials that have been done regarding the effects of CBD on diabetes neuropathy. The evidence at hand is from speculative research done on animals. CBD's roles as an analgesic and a neuroprotectant are known. A 2018 study depicts that medical cannabis ingested through vaporization or sublingually may aid in managing symptoms of neuropathy. Scientists doing related research noted that cannabis has some concentration of THC. There’s also an anecdotal indication with neuropathic patients who claimed that CBD assisted them in preventing and curing some of their symptoms. 

Research by Capano, et al. (2020), showed that the World Health Organization has authorized CBD taking by neuropathic patients because of its good profile. However, much is yet to be unfolded about CBD and neuropathy medication. Consult your doctor before taking any CBD-related product for medical purposes. Patients with chronic illnesses such as cancer and diabetes should be more cautious about its use.

How to Get the Best CBD Products for Neuropathy

Products are selected based on good quality, safety, and transparency indicators. Therefore, the product should contain less than 0.3 % THC. The verification is according to the Certificate of Analysis issued when it has also been tested if it has passed the test to check for contaminants such as heavy metals, molds, and pesticides.

Conclusion

Although research about the usefulness of CBD in neuropathic symptoms is limited, there is still hope as there has been evidence of its usefulness. When opting for CBD as a treatment model for related neuropathic symptoms, consult a doctor for advice first. Explore the wide variety of CBD products, right from topicals to sublingual’s and get what will work best for you to ease the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Finally, get the best quality CBD product to avoid further compromising your health condition.

References

Capano, A., Weaver, R., & Burkman, E. (2020). Evaluation Of The Effects Of CBD Hemp Extract On Opioid Use And Quality Of Life Indicators In Chronic Pain Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study. Postgraduate Medicine, 132(1), 56-61.

Jesus, C. H. A., Redivo, D. D. B., Gasparin, A. T., Sotomaior, B. B., De Carvalho, M. C., Genaro, K., ... & Da Cunha, J. M. (2019). Cannabidiol Attenuates Mechanical Allodynia In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Via Serotonergic System Activation Through 5-HT1A Receptors. Brain Research, 1715, 156-164.

Li, H., Kong, W., Chambers, C. R., Yu, D., Ganea, D., Tuma, R. F., & Ward, S. J. (2018). The Non-Psychoactive Phytocannabinoid Cannabidiol (CBD) Attenuates Pro-Inflammatory Mediators, T Cell Infiltration, And Thermal Sensitivity Following Spinal Cord Injury In Mice. Cellular Immunology, 329, 1-9.

Philpott, H. T., O'Brien, M., & Mcdougall, J. J. (2017). Attenuation Of Early Phase Inflammation By Cannabidiol Prevents Pain And Nerve Damage In Rat Osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442.