Medical marijuana may have use as a diabetic treatment drug.  There is some evidence suggesting that marijuana can help users stay slim, and thus reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  There is also evidence suggesting that marijuana can directly affect insulin resistance.

Metabolic Effect

The American Journal of Medicine published a study stating that the marijuana drug may affect metabolism, as there were discovered to be fewer cases of obesity among long-term users.  Respondents were also found to have a lower risk for diabetes and lower body-mass-index measurements.  This trend was highly noticeable even though users apparently took in more calories and did occasionally feel an appetite stimulant effect, as most users note.

The possibility of the drug affecting carbohydrate metabolism was further explored insulin testing.  Research from the Harvard Medical School stated that among marijuana users, “fasting insulin levels were lower and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced.”

Insulin Levels Affected

Of the 4,600 people who participated, it was revealed that only 12 percent of users were currently smoking.  Even with the adjustments made for this fact, the current users showed 16% lower fasting insulin levels than the former users, and a 17% reduction in insulin resistance when compared to the other group.  In addition to these tests, the regular marijuana users were 1.5 inches slimmer than the former users.

What controls this mechanism is not known for sure, but researchers noticed users had a higher level of high-density lipoprotein, which has been linked with good cholesterol, prevention of anti-heart disease.  Another belief is that there are cannabinoid brain receptors affected by regular use of the herb, just as drugs like rimonabant seems to do.

One thing is for sure: such evidence strongly calls for more research and testing, as there has been a link clearly demonstrated based on evidence.