Hello,
There was a very recently published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (the gold-standard of study design) which found that in humans:
- THCV significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose and improved pancreatic β-cell (insulin secreting cell) function
- CBD reduced a hormone called resistin, which has been shown to increase LDL (bad cholesterol)
-CBD increased glucose-dependent-insulinotropic peptide, which is a hormone that enhances the release of insulin following the intake of food.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27573936
Additionally, Sativex, an oromucosal spray with 1CBD:1THC, has been shown to effectively reduce neuropathic pain. In 2005, Sativex was approved in Canada for the treatment of central neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis, and in 2007 for intractable cancer pain. Numerous randomized clinical trials have demonstrated safety and efficacy for Sativex in central and peripheral neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer pain.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660
drkim
Also, CBD and THC have both been shown to possess neuroprotective properties, which is why cannabis has been studied as a treatment modality for conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and traumatic brain injury. Cannabis should help prevent neuropathy and/or slow its progression via neuroprotection and blood sugar control.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604192/
Furthermore, prolonged administration of THC, in both humans and experimental animals, results in the lowering of both blood pressure and heart rate. Animal studies suggest that this may be due to a reduction in adrenergic tone, which is also how beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, work as anti-hypertensives.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2228270/#R11
Also, a study published last year found that a 600mg dose of CBD reduced blood pressure while resting, as well as when under physical or mental stress.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/#B7
Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other health problems; high blood pressure significantly raises those risks.
drkim
Considering the above — to help control blood sugar, prevent nerve damage and lower blood pressure — I would recommend a high CBD, low THC product to use throughout the day. If psychoactive effects were not an obstacle, vaporizing high THCV strains would also be an effective strategy.
Additionally, Care By Design offers several different delivery methods, offered in multiple ratios; they also exclusively carry "whole plant" products.
https://www.projectcbd.org/science/cannabis-pharmacology/single-compound-vs-whole-plant-cbd
The 18:1 products at https://www.cbd.org/ would be a great choice.
However, low THC containing products, most likely, would not alleviate the neuropathic pain as well as higher THC containing products/strains.
Again, vaping high THCV strains would be a good choice for pain relief, neuroprotection and blood sugar control.
I would also recommend a 1:1 product, such as
https://kivaconfections.com/products/bars/ginger
Like Care by Design, Kiva Confections subscribes to a whole plant philosophy.
For immediate pain relief, you should also consider the vaporizer pens offered by dosist.
https://dosist.com/pen-relief/
Although, unless adequate blood sugar control were verified by your primary care physician/endocrinologist, rather than as monotherapy, cannabis should be taken as an adjunct to your currently prescribed diabetes medications.
drkim
