A new analysis -yet to be published- presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2025, held in Vienna, revealed a finding that has raised concern among health experts: people who use cannabis are up to four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who do not.
The study analyzed medical data from more than 96,000 cannabis users and compared them with over 4 million nonusers, followed over a five-year period. The results were striking: the incidence of type 2 diabetes was 2.2% in cannabis users versus 0.6% in nonusers. While the association is statistically significant, the authors emphasize that this was a retrospective study, meaning it cannot establish direct cause and effect, only a correlation.
Researchers suggest two main mechanisms that could explain the connection. One is insulin resistance, as cannabis use may overstimulate the endocannabinoid system, particularly through CB1 receptor activation, leading to visceral fat accumulation, liver fat deposits, and insulin resistance, all of which are key drivers of type 2 diabetes. Other factors such as chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction may also contribute. The second possibility is poor eating habits. Cannabis is known to increase appetite, often leading to the consumption of calorie-dense and highly processed foods. This pattern can result in excess body fat, central adiposity, and glucose dysregulation, further increasing diabetes risk.
The World Health Organization estimates that around 147 million people worldwide use cannabis, and its consumption is rising faster than that of other recreational substances. In the United States, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level but has been legalized recreationally in 24 states. According to the CDC, more than 52 million Americans have used it at least once since 2021. At the same time, type 2 diabetes affects 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, with 1.2 million new diagnoses each year.
Although the findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, they highlight a potentially important risk factor. Experts caution that the literature on cannabis and diabetes is mixed, with some studies even suggesting neutral or beneficial effects on weight and insulin sensitivity. Nevertheless, this new evidence underscores the need for further research. For physicians, the goal is to better stratify risk among patients and provide appropriate guidance. For the general public, the study offers a reminder that while legalization advances and cannabis products become more accessible, its potential health consequences—especially regarding type 2 diabetes—cannot be overlooked.
SOURCE: Medical News Today
Add comment
Comments