Study Finds Cannabis Use May Significantly Increase Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

Recent research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Vienna highlights a concerning link between cannabis consumption and the development of type 2 diabetes. The large-scale study analyzed electronic health records from over 4 million adults across the United States and Europe, spanning from 2010 to 2018. Researchers identified nearly 97,000 individuals with varying degrees of cannabis use, including occasional use, dependence, and intoxication, and compared them with over 4 million healthy controls with no history of substance use.

Participants were matched for age, sex, and pre-existing health conditions and followed for five years. After adjusting for factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, alcohol, and other lifestyle risks, the findings revealed that cannabis users were nearly four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-users. Specifically, 2.2% of cannabis users developed diabetes compared to only 0.6% of the healthy control group.

Cannabis use is increasing globally, with an estimated 219 million users in 2021, yet its long-term metabolic effects are not well understood. While some studies suggest anti-inflammatory or weight management benefits, concerns about its impact on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance remain. The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding these potential health risks, especially as cannabis becomes more legally and socially accepted.

The authors note that more research is necessary to fully explain this association, including whether risks are specific to inhaled cannabis or also apply to edibles and other forms. They acknowledge limitations due to the retrospective nature of the study and the reliance on self-reported cannabis use, which can lead to misclassification and biases. Despite these limitations, the findings suggest that healthcare professionals should incorporate discussions about cannabis use into routine health assessments, especially concerning diabetes risk.

As public policies evolve and cannabis use becomes more prevalent, understanding its full impact on metabolic health is crucial. Future studies are needed to explore the long-term endocrine effects and to determine if certain consumption methods pose higher risks. Until then, awareness and proactive health monitoring are vital for individuals and healthcare providers alike.