A recent study highlights a significant increase in cannabis consumption among adults with diabetes, underscoring the need for medical professionals to address potential risks associated with marijuana use. The study, published on July 22 in Diabetes Care, reveals that the proportion of adults with diabetes who used cannabis at least once in the past month rose dramatically between 2021 and 2022.
The research, led by Dr. Benjamin Han from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), utilized data from the 2021-2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The results show that the rate of cannabis use among adults with diabetes surged from 7.7% in 2021 to 10.3% in 2022—a 33.7% increase.
Dr. Han and his team observed that younger individuals with diabetes are more likely to use cannabis, with nearly 49% of users being under the age of 50. Additionally, cannabis use was found to be nearly three times more common in states where marijuana is legal. A history of major depression and heavy use of illicit drugs or alcohol also increased the likelihood of cannabis use among those with diabetes.
Potential Risks and Recommendations
The study raises concerns about the potential impact of cannabis on diabetes management. Researchers caution that cannabis use, when combined with other substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol, could exacerbate cardiovascular risks and disrupt glucose metabolism.
Dr. Han emphasized the need for healthcare providers to discuss cannabis use with their patients who have diabetes. “Our results highlight the importance of comprehensive substance use screenings in diabetes care, with a specific focus on cannabis,” said Han.
The team urges clinicians to address the potential harms of cannabis use on diabetes-related outcomes, despite the ongoing debate over the benefits of marijuana for diabetes care.
