New studies indicate that adults who use cannabis might be nearly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Researchers, led by Dr. Ibrahim Kammel from Boston Medical Center, analyzed medical data from over 54 healthcare institutions across the U.S. and Europe utilizing the Trinetx Research Network.
The study looked at more than 4 million individuals who had no prior history of drug use or chronic illnesses and compared casual users with those who were dependent on cannabis. Approximately 96,800 participants had a cannabis-related diagnosis.
Over a five-year span, 2.2% of cannabis users were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, in contrast to just 0.6% of non-users. Even when adjusting for other health factors like hypertension, cholesterol levels, and substance use, cannabis users still showed a higher risk.
Experts suggest that marijuana’s impact on appetite, metabolism, and insulin resistance could explain the findings. It seems that cannabis use is linked to poor eating habits, which may boost blood sugar levels over time.
As more places legalize marijuana, it’s often regarded as a safer choice compared to alcohol and tobacco. However, this research implies that the long-term risks could be more serious than many people might think. Dr. Kammel noted, “As cannabis becomes widely accepted and legalized in various regions, it’s crucial to recognize its potential health hazards.”
The study, however, has its limitations. Its design is retroactive, meaning it reviewed past records instead of monitoring new cases over time. Consequently, establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between marijuana use and diabetes is challenging.
Also, those who consume cannabis occasionally may not carry the same risks as daily users. The reliance on self-reported data introduces another level of potential bias, as the exact amount consumed—and whether it was illegal or not—was not precisely tracked.
Dr. Kammel emphasized that healthcare providers should inform patients about cannabis usage, considering the possible need for metabolic monitoring in at-risk individuals. He further stated that this evidence highlights the necessity of incorporating diabetes risk understanding within substance use disorder treatment and counseling.
