Cannabis use could help prevent diabetes

By Brandon Dunn

A study published earlier this month shows data that identifies long term use of cannabis may prevent diabetes even after usage decreases or ends.

Researchers (Ngueta G. and Ndjaboue R.) from Laval University in Quebec analyzed data from the 2009-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and estimated the minimal lifetime marijuana use using the duration of regular exposure and the frequency of use.

Researchers used linear models to determine the association of marijuana use with both fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for lean, overweight, and obese subjects.

Researchers found the use of cannabis is associated with lower fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in obese adults, even when used less than 4 times per month. Researchers also determined that consumers with high lifetime useage had significantly lower insulin levels which persisted, with no regard to the amount of time since last use.

In current obese consumers, the mean insulin in those with < 4 uses/months was 52% (95% CI: 19% to 71%) lower than in never users. Former obese consumers with ≥ 8 uses/month and who stopped marijuana use < 12 months showed 47% (95% CI: 18% to 66%) lower insulin. Those with last use of 12-119 months and ≥ 120 months had 36% (95% CI: 7% to 57%) and 36% (95% CI: 10% to 54%) lower insulin, respectively.