A new study conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has shed light on the significant increase in cannabis use among adults with diabetes in the United States. This raises concerns about the potential impact on their health outcomes. The study, based on data from the 2021-2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), revealed that 9.0 percent of adults with diabetes reported using cannabis in the past month. This represents a 33.7 percent increase in prevalence, from 7.7 percent to 10.3 percent, between 2021 and 2022.
The findings of the study raise important questions about the potential health consequences of cannabis use among individuals with diabetes. Previous research has linked cannabis use to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, which is particularly concerning for people with diabetes who are already at a higher risk for heart-related issues.
One possible explanation for the increased cannabis use among adults with diabetes is the perceived therapeutic benefits of the drug, such as alleviating insomnia and providing pain relief for neuropathy. The legalization of cannabis in many states has also made it more accessible, prompting individuals with chronic conditions to explore cannabis as a potential alternative for symptom management.
Interestingly, the study also found that individuals with diabetes who reported using other substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and stimulants, were more likely to use cannabis as well. This raises concerns about the potential compounding effects of polysubstance use on the health of individuals with diabetes.
Given these findings, it is crucial for healthcare providers to screen patients with diabetes for cannabis use and to discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with its use. Further research is needed to fully understand how cannabis impacts diabetes outcomes and to develop evidence-based guidelines for its use in this population.
The study, which was published in Diabetes Care on July 22, 2024, was led by a team of researchers including Benjamin Han, M.D., M.P.H., Jeremy Pettus, M.D., and Alison Moore, M.D., M.P.H. These experts are deeply involved in the fields of geriatrics, endocrinology, and aging research, underscoring the importance of understanding the intersection of cannabis use and diabetes in the context of overall patient health.
