Adults who consume cannabis are nearly four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-users, according to a new study analyzing medical records across the U.S. and Europe.
A recent study reveals that adults who use cannabis are at a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who do not partake in the substance. Researchers, led by Dr. Ibrahim Kamel from the Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts, conducted an extensive analysis of medical records from 54 healthcare organizations across the United States and Europe using the TriNetX Research Network.
The study examined approximately 96,800 individuals with cannabis-related diagnoses, ranging from casual users to those with dependency issues. This group was compared to more than 4.16 million individuals who had no recorded history of drug use or chronic illness.
Over a five-year period, the findings indicated that 2.2% of cannabis users developed type 2 diabetes, in stark contrast to just 0.6% of non-users. Even after adjusting for various health risks, including high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart disease, and the use of other substances like alcohol or cocaine, marijuana users still exhibited a heightened risk of diabetes.
Experts suggest that the increased risk may be linked to the effects of marijuana on appetite, metabolism, and insulin resistance. Cannabis use is frequently associated with poor dietary habits, which could contribute to elevated blood sugar levels over time.
As marijuana becomes increasingly legalized and socially accepted, it is often viewed as a safer alternative to alcohol or tobacco. However, the research highlights that the long-term health risks associated with cannabis use may be more severe than many people realize.
“As cannabis becomes more widely available and socially accepted and legalized in various jurisdictions, it is essential to understand its potential health risks,” Kamel stated in a press release.
While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers acknowledged certain limitations. The retrospective design of the study means it examined existing patient records rather than tracking new cases over time, making it challenging to establish a direct causal relationship between marijuana use and diabetes.
Moreover, the risk levels may vary significantly between occasional users and those who consume cannabis daily. The researchers also noted the potential for bias, as the study relied on self-reported cannabis use, which could be inaccurate, especially in regions where marijuana use is illegal. Additionally, the study did not quantify the amount of cannabis used by participants.
Given these findings, physicians may need to engage in discussions with patients about their cannabis use to better assess their overall diabetes risk and determine whether metabolic monitoring is necessary. Kamel emphasized the importance of integrating diabetes risk awareness into treatment and counseling for substance-use disorders.
“These new insights from reliable, real-world evidence highlight the importance of integrating diabetes risk awareness into substance-use disorder treatment and counseling,” he added.
Fox News Digital reached out to various cannabis industry organizations for comment regarding the study’s findings.
Source: Original article