Diabetes: What effect does medical cannabis have on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity?

Positive and negative effects have been reported. First, the negative... Studies that have investigated this subject suggest that cannabis can have a number of effects on blood glucose control, depending on dosage. These include: Memory and concentration-related problems which may affect glycemic control. Raised appetite, or 'munchies' - a craving for sweet/fatty food, which can subsequently lead to hyperglycemia (abnormally high blood sugar levels) Impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia when heavily used. Experts from Diabetes New Zealand, a national non-profit organization, also claim that cannabis indirectly affects blood glucose levels due to the drugs’ effect on the brain, which they say can lead to users not recognizing symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or confusing such symptoms with the effects of the drug. And now the positive: Some studies, albeit animal-based ones, in recent years have highlighted a number of potential health benefits of cannabis for diabetics. A research paper published by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) suggested that cannabis can help: Stabilise blood sugars - a large body of anecdotal evidence is building among diabetics to support this. Suppress some of the arterial inflammation commonly experienced by diabetics, which can lead to cardiovascular disease Prevent nerve inflammation and ease the pain of neuropathy - the most common complication of diabetes - by stimulating receptors in the body and brain. Lower blood pressure over time, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other diabetes complications Keep blood vessels open and improve circulation. Relieve muscle cramps and the pain of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders Be used to make topical creams to relieve neuropathic pain and tingling in hands and feet Cannabis compounds have also been shown to reduce intra-ocular pressure (the fluid pressure within the eye) considerably in people with glaucoma - a type of eye disease that is caused by conditions that severely restrict blood flow to the eye, such as severe diabetic retinopathy. With obesity: Researchers at GW Pharmaceuticals in England have revealed that cannabis could be used to treat obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. They discovered two compounds from cannabis leaves that can http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2012/Jul/cannabis-could-be-used-in-fight-against-obesity-and-type-2-diabetes-97296101.html. Insulin benefits: Tests in mice showed the compounds - THCV and cannabidiol - boosted the animals’ metabolism, leading to lower levels of cholesterol in the blood and fat in the liver, while THCV was also found to have a number of insulin benefits