Cannabis Use Linked to Considerably Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A recent study suggests a strong association between cannabis use and a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers found individuals who use cannabis were 3.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition compared to those who do not use the substance.
The research, presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Vienna, analyzed data from nearly 97,000 individuals aged 18 to 50 across 54 healthcare organizations in the U.S. and Europe. Participants with documented cannabis use – ranging from occasional use to dependence – were compared to a control group of over 4.1 million individuals with no recorded substance use. Over a five-year follow-up period,1,937 new cases of diabetes were identified among cannabis users,significantly higher than the 518 cases observed in the control group.
Dr. Ibrahim Kamel,chief resident at Boston Medical center and lead researcher,emphasized the importance of understanding these potential health risks as cannabis access expands. “these new insights…highlight the importance of integrating diabetes risk awareness into substance use disorder treatment and counseling, as well as the need for healthcare professionals to routinely talk to patients about cannabis use so that they can understand their overall diabetes risk and potential need for metabolic monitoring,” he stated.
while the study establishes a clear association,researchers caution that it does not prove cannabis causes diabetes. Potential mechanisms linking cannabis use to increased diabetes risk include effects on blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and possibly unhealthy dietary habits associated with cannabis consumption.
Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and to investigate how cannabis may impact insulin function within the body. It’s vital to note that findings presented at medical meetings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
For more information on the health effects of marijuana, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/index.html
