According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), there are 100 million Americans suffering from diabetes today. What's more, nearly three-fourths of Americans are overweight or obese, totaling at just over 160 million people. With obesity-related deaths in the millions across the world every year, it is safe to say that Earth is facing an epidemic. With far too many "get fit quick" schemes out there today, people are looking for lasting health solutions to help them fight both diabetes and obesity.

With the federal legalization of hemp and CBD under the 2018 Farm Bill, more people are beginning to realize the myriad of benefits CBD can provide for them personally. With new research being conducted everyday, it seems possible that the benefits of CBD and THC are endless.

So, is CBD a viable treatment for obesity? Can CBD be used to fight, or even prevent diabetes?

What is CBD?

While many Americans are just now realizing the beneficial effects CBD can have on their lives, researchers have been studying the potential of the substance for years.

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of several major cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD produces no psychoactive effects when consumed. While CBD can be found in both marijuana and hemp, CBD is isolated primarily from the hemp plant.

How Does CBD Work?

Our bodies contain a biological system known as the 'Endocannabinoid System' which binds with cannabinoids such as CBD or THC. The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating many bodily functions, including (but not limited to):

Appetite
Pain sensations
Mood
Memory
Immune systems

Consuming cannabinoids like CBD causes interactions in the endocannabinoid system which can produce positive effects in the body.

CBD and Weight Loss

Of the multitude of benefits related to CBD-use, many have come to recognize CBD for its potential weight loss benefits. Researchers have linked CBD to weight loss in several key ways:

CBD Regulates the Endocannabinoid System

Within the bodies endocannabinoid system are two distinct cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Each of these receptors responds to different compounds within the human body. CB1 receptors are located almost exclusively in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors can be found throughout the body.

in overweight individuals, the CB1 receptor becomes rampant in the body, especially in fat stores. Due to this fact, researchers have been led to believe there is a correlation between obesity and the activation of the CB1 receptor. CBD influences the cannabinoids found naturally in the body to activate or shut-off this receptor. For this reason, scientists believe that CBD has a role to play in obesity related factors and the metabolism.

Cannabis Users Weigh Less

We have all heard about "the munchies," in which marijuana users find themselves fiending for some junk food. This may lead some to assume that cannabis users are generally overweight. However, a study of 50,000 people revealed that cannabis users are obese at lower rates than non-users. Cannabis users are obese at an average of 14-17%, while non-cannabis users are obese at a rate of 22-25%. So while many get cravings to indulge their sweet-tooth after smoking, cannabis users are less likely to be overweight. Researchers believe that this may indicate a correlation between cannabinoids such as CBD and weight loss.

CBD and Diabetes

Cannabidiol has been linked to weight loss, can CBD help treat or prevent diabetes?

While CBD (so far) has not proven to cure any metabolic disorder, a 2018 study found that CBD may aid in reducing the factors that contribute to diabetes. Scientists long ago found correlations between being overweight and developing metabolic disorders such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

CBD May Turn Bad Fats into Good Fats

In society today, the word 'fat' has become a curse word. However, the human body needs fat to survive, with certain types of fat being more beneficial than others.

Your body contains two types of fats, white and brown.

White fat is the most prevalent form in the human body, storing energy and cushioning your organs. While this is a necessary function, too much white fat can lead to chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease.

The second form, brown fat, is considered "good fat." This type of fat burns calories in the body and generates heat for bodily functions. People at a healthy weight tend to have higher amounts of brown fat than overweight individuals.

Your body is able to convert white fat into brown fat through certain processes, such as proper exercise or a good night's sleep. Amazingly, a few researchers have found that CBD has a role to play in this process. A 2016 study proved CBD to have positive effects on the transformation of white fat into brown fat, also known as fat 'browning.' Scientists concluded that while CBD shows promise in reducing obesity in adults, more studies need to be conducted before definite answers can be provided.

CBD and Type 2 Diabetes

High cholesterol and obesity are known to be contributing factors in the development of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. CBD treatments have been found to reduce cholesterol by up to 25% in obese lab rats. Researchers are looking to soon apply these treatments to human test subjects.

CBD and Diabetes Type 1

Although type 1 diabetes is far less common than type 2 (only around 5% have type 1), the disease is no less serious. Type 1 diabetes, causes the body to stop production of insulin, which is used to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This occurs because insulin-producing beta cells are destroyed after an invasion of immune cells produce pancreatic inflammation. An experiment utilizing CBD found a reduction in the occurrence of early pancreatic inflammation in type 1 diabetes.

Best CBD Products for Diabetes

For diabetes, you will obviously want to avoid a product containing sugar. A pure-CBD product like a CBD tincture, CBD capsule or CBD concentrate is a great way to consume CBD while closely monitoring the substances you consume. Some people have found CBD consumption to be a great way to maintain a healthy appetite and a healthy diet is a great way to prevent diabetes. Learn more about choosing the right CBD product for you here!

CBD Dosage for Diabetes

For a chronic illness like diabetes type 1 & 2, we recommend a larger dose of CBD oil than other everyday users. A dosage of 15-40mg, 2-3 times a day is recommended. Utilizing a CBD tincture is a great way to carefully monitor your intake amounts every day. For more information on CBD dosing, check out our CBD Dosing Guide.

How to Use CBD for Diabetes

Using a new CBD product may seem tricky at first but after a few times you will feel like a practiced pro. If buying a CBD tincture, start off with a small drop in your favorite drink. The tincture can be mixed with food or drink, or taken directly by dropping the liquid under your tongue. If you plan to use a different CBD product, like a concentrate, the process may be a little more complex. Learn how to use CBD concentrates here.

Have a question, comment or concern about CBD? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think?

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