Cannabis use on the rise among adults with diabetes, despite potential risks

Recent data published in the journal Neurology shows that cannabis use has increased significantly among adults with diabetes in the United States, even though the effects of the drug on health are unclear. Diabetes Care.¹ The authors said the findings support the use of screening and education about the potential risks.

With many states in the United States legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use, cannabis use is now widespread and on the rise.² Adults with diabetes are no exception, despite being at increased risk for diabetic ketoacidosis and potentially adversely affecting metabolic factors.^3,4 However, the effects of cannabis use in people with diabetes are not well understood, although some studies have noted side effects.

“Cannabis use is increasing in the United States for the management of health-related conditions, and use is on the rise among people with chronic diseases, including millions with diabetes,” the authors write. “However, challenges in conducting cannabis studies, such as the number of cannabinoids and the variety of routes of administration, and federal regulations, have limited research on the effects of cannabis on glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes.”

Read more: Children with type 1 diabetes at higher risk of developing mental illness later in life

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine conducted a study to estimate and characterize the latest national prevalence of cannabis use among adults with diabetes. Data for the study was collected from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 2021-2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

The study cohort included 6816 adults with a lifetime diagnosis of diabetes. Patients who reported cannabis use were compared with those who reported no use. Cannabis use within the past month was assessed by asking about use of cannabis products by smoking, vaping, dabbing, eating, drinking, or applying with lotion. CBD and hemp products were excluded. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, past-year emergency department (ED) use from any cause, past-year major depression, past-month opioid and/or stimulant abuse, and heavy alcohol consumption.

Researchers found that an estimated 9% of adults with diabetes have used cannabis in the past month. From 2021 to 2022, the percentage of users increased by 33.7%, rising from 7.7% to 10.3%. More than 48% of people with diabetes who reported using cannabis in the past month were under the age of 50.

Additionally, factors associated with a higher likelihood of having used cannabis in the past month included living in a state where cannabis is legal, having a history of hepatitis, experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year, and smoking tobacco, excessive alcohol use, or opioid abuse in the past month.

Study limitations include that the data did not distinguish between types of diabetes or types of cannabis products used, it relied on self-reporting, and samples were collected only from a non-institutional population.

“[C]”Clinicians should discuss with their diabetic patients the potential harms of cannabis use on diabetes-related outcomes without a clear understanding of the benefits of cannabis,” the authors conclude. “Furthermore, screening and education regarding the potential risks of cannabis and other psychoactive substance use should be provided to all patients with diabetes and discussed in the context of diabetes management and monitoring.”

read more: Diabetes Resource Center

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