Cannabis Use Reduces Diabetes Risk in Hepatitis C Patients
Recent research confirms that using cannabis or its extracts can significantly lower the risk of developing diabetes in people diagnosed with hepatitis C. While earlier studies had already suggested this potential benefit, a new study by a group of French scientists, published in the latest issue of the journal “Viral Hepatitis and Its Treatment,” provides strong evidence based on a large patient sample.
Study Overview
The study involved 10,000 individuals previously diagnosed with hepatitis C. According to the authors, those who regularly used cannabis or cannabis oil extracts for therapeutic purposes reported a 49% lower incidence of diabetes symptoms compared to those who did not use cannabis or related products. The researchers also noted that even occasional use of cannabis, or use prior to hepatitis C infection, had a noticeable suppressive effect on the risk of developing diabetes after infection.
Overall, the lowest risk of diabetes symptoms was observed among people who regularly used cannabis or related products, whether for therapeutic or recreational purposes.
Hepatitis C and Diabetes Risk
Hepatitis C infection significantly affects the body’s ability to process insulin, which greatly increases the risk of developing certain types of diabetes in affected individuals. Even without other risk factors, the infection itself puts patients in a high-risk group for diabetes due to its impact on endogenous insulin metabolism.
The study states, “Compared to other groups, individuals diagnosed with hepatitis C are at a higher risk of developing diabetes-related complications. However, the collected data suggest that cannabis use, or more specifically the active compounds in the plant and its extracts, has a positive effect on metabolic functions, suppressing or eliminating the typical deficiencies caused by the disease and significantly reducing the risk of diabetes.”
Research Details and Findings
The research used health data from patients across France, included in the ANRS CO22 database, which tracks the long-term effects of chronic hepatitis infection on human health. Cross-analysis of health indicators and symptom manifestation, adjusted for cannabis use, showed a significantly lower occurrence of diabetes symptoms among patients who regularly used cannabinoid-containing products. Similar, though less pronounced, trends were observed among those who used cannabis occasionally or had a history of use.
The study concludes, “These findings indicate that the active compounds in cannabis may influence biochemical mechanisms that block insulin absorption. This, in turn, helps restore normal insulin metabolism and reduces the risk of developing diabetes.”
Other Factors Considered
In addition to hepatitis C infection, the study also accounted for factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, high body mass index, poverty or incarceration, and fibrosis. Despite these combined risk factors, cannabinoids were found to effectively block diabetes symptoms and restore normal insulin absorption in patients.
“Interestingly, despite the variety and combination of risk factors for diabetes in hepatitis C patients, the observations show high effectiveness of cannabis compounds in preventing the onset and progression of both types of the disease,” the researchers note. “Although the exact nature of how cannabinoids affect insulin metabolism is not yet fully understood, the data provide a strong basis for further in-depth study of this mechanism.”
Previous Research
A previous large-scale review of cannabis use for diabetes prevention in hepatitis C patients was conducted in 2015. That review, published in “Therapy of Viral Infections in Clinical Settings,” reached similar conclusions, highlighting the high effectiveness and safety of cannabis in preventing diabetes symptoms.