Cannabis Against Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. It most commonly affects the feet and legs, but can also affect other areas of the body. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can include numbness, tingling, burning or shooting pain, and weakness in the affected area. Peripheral pain, on the other hand, refers to pain that occurs in the outer areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, and back. Medical cannabis is effective in alleviating neuropathic pain, including diabetic neuropathy pain. Cannabinoids in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, can activate receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system, which can help regulate pain and inflammation. Studies have found that medical cannabis can help reduce the intensity and frequency of neuropathic pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy, and can also improve sleep and quality of life in these patients. Additionally, cannabis can also help alleviate peripheral pain caused by various conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.

What Studies Exist to Support the Use of Cannabis for Diabetic Neuropathy?

A 2015 study titled ‘Efficacy of Inhaled Cannabis on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy’, states that the initial results, in combination with previous research, indicate that cannabis may possess analgesic properties in neuropathic pain disorders, including individuals with DPN who have not responded to standard treatments. However, larger randomized trials with extended follow-up periods are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of cannabis as an analgesic. In another study titled ‘Efficacy of Inhaled Cannabis on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy’ published in The Journal of Pain, 16 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy who had been experiencing neuropathic pain in their feet for at least 6 months participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. The participants were given a single dose of cannabis with varying THC concentrations of 1%, 4%, or 7% or a placebo through inhalation. The pain was measured using a visual analogue scale, as well as a foam brush and von Frey filament, at intervals until 4 hours after treatment. The study found that pain scores were lower in the treatment group compared to the placebo group, with high-dose cannabis providing the most significant analgesic effect. The reduction in pain lasted throughout the study. However, the recipients of cannabis experienced declines in attention and working memory, with the high-dose group experiencing the most significant impact 15 minutes after treatment. Additionally, the high-dose group had lower scores in quick task-switching testing, with the most significant effect at 2 hours.

Does cannabis for diabetic neuropathy have side effects?

The side effects of using medical cannabis for pain, palliative, and cancer care can vary depending on the individual, the method of use, the dosage, and the type of cannabis used. It can range from Psychotropic effects like euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion to cognitive ones including issues related to memory, attention, and reaction time. Besides, smoking or inhaling cannabis can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and bronchitis. This can be a concern for patients with preexisting lung conditions. Cannabis can also cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be problematic for patients with cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Key takeaways:

• Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve damage condition that affects people with diabetes, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, and weakness in the affected areas.

• Medical cannabis has shown promise in alleviating neuropathic pain, including diabetic neuropathy pain, through the activation of the body's endocannabinoid system.

• Studies have demonstrated that cannabis can reduce the intensity and frequency of neuropathic pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy, as well as improve their quality of life and sleep.

Please note: It's important to note that medical cannabis is not a cure for neuropathic or peripheral pain, and its effectiveness may vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. It's also important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine if medical cannabis is a safe and appropriate option for their individual needs.