How cannabis use affects health outcomes among those with diabetes remains relatively unknown. Studies have reported contradictory findings as to whether cannabis directly affects glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
In the current study, researchers investigated the national prevalence of cannabis use among adults with diabates in the US. To do so, they examined data from 6,816 individuals aged 18 and over with diabetes from the 2021- 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Data included annual surveys assessing cannabis use, sociodemographic information, and other factors such as tobacco use and past-year major depression. The researchers compared the characteristics of individuals who used cannabis with those who did not.
Ultimately, the researchers found that an estimated 10.3% of adults in the US reported past-month cannabis use in 2022 compared to 7.7% a year earlier, marking a 33.7% increase. Just under half -or 48.9%- of cannabis users were under 50 years old, whereas 20.4% of those under age 50 did not use cannabis.
Further analyses revealed that residing in states where cannabis is legal, a history of hepatitis, past-year major depressive episodes, and past-year emergency department use were linked to a higher likelihood of past-month cannabis use. Past-month tobacco use, binge drinking, opioid misuse, and stimulant misuse were also linked to increased cannabis use.
The researchers wrote that their findings highlight the importance of comprehensive substance use screenings in diabetes care, with a specific focus on cannabis. Further research is also needed to understand how cannabis use affects patients with diabetes.
Limitations of the study include that it did not distinguish between the type of diabetes or cannabis products used and that it relied on self-reports.
Sources: EurekAlert, Diabetes Care