Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Understand how medical marijuana helps with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

Medical marijuana can help relieve some of the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a type of nerve damage that occurs in people with diabetes. It's the most common complication of diabetes, affecting up to 70% of people with the disease. 

Symptoms 

• Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, feet, legs, or arms

• Loss of sensation or pain, especially in the feet and toes

• Sharp pain that's worse at night

• Muscle weakness

• Loss of reflex response

• Foot issues like ulcers, infections, or changes in foot shape

Causes 

• High blood sugar levels from diabetes damage nerves

• Poor blood circulation in the lower extremities

Initial Treatment

• Managing blood sugar levels and taking medications to control symptoms. 

Prevention

•  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

DPN can worsen over time and lead to serious foot issues. People who lose sensation in their feet are more likely to develop ulcers and may need amputations. 

Medical marijuana can help with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

According to an article published by the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, medical cannabis can help reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and increase overall function, even in patients who are not responding to standard therapies. Here's how it works.

• Receptor activation

Cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the nervous system, which can influence pain signaling pathways. 

• Pain modulation

By activating these receptors, cannabinoids may reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain, leading to pain relief.

• Anti- inflammatory effects

Some research suggests that cannabinoids can possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to reduce inflammation associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.