Smoking marijuana regularly increases the risk of hyperglycemia by 65%. However, the prediabetes, characterized by too high blood sugar, often precedes type 2 diabetes. The blood sugar level in prediabetic patients rises dramatically but remains below the threshold level for a diagnosis of diabetes. According to doctors, one in 10 prediabetics could develop diabetes.
To reach their conclusions, a team of researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (United States) analyzed data from more than 3,000 people. They found that those who smoked marijuana more than 100 times were about 50% more likely to develop prediabetes.
However, researchers have not identified a direct link between true diabetes and smoking marijuana.
This research goes completely against previous studies which have shown that cannabis can reduce the risk of diabetes. For example, a 2013 American study found that smokers of cannabis had lower insulin levels, which would indicate better glycemic control.
“These findings contrast with those previously reported on marijuana use and metabolic health. Future studies should seek to objectively assess the ways and amount in which marijuana is consumed and the impact of these criteria on future metabolic health, ”concludes one of the study’s lead authors, Mike Bancks.
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