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CANNABIS USE MAY INCREASE DIABETES RISK






A sweeping new study from Europe and the U.S. has found that people who use cannabis face nearly four times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes within five years compared to those who don’t. The research, presented at this year’s European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting, analyzed health records from over 4 million adults and uncovered a surprising connection between cannabis and metabolic health.

Despite earlier speculation that cannabis might help with inflammation or weight, this massive analysis found the opposite: diabetes rates were significantly higher among cannabis users, even after accounting for factors like cholesterol, blood pressure, and other lifestyle risks.

The study took a close look at nearly 97,000 adults with cannabis-related diagnoses and compared them to over 4 million healthy individuals of similar age and health profiles. More than five decades, 2.2% of cannabis users developed diabetes, compared to just 0.6% of non-users. The numbers don’t lie—cannabis users were almost four times as likely to end up with diabetes.

Why is this happening? Researchers think insulin resistance and unhealthy eating habits could play a role, but they say more studies are needed to figure out exactly why this link exists. They also point out that it’s not clear if the risk is tied only to smoking cannabis or if edibles and other forms carry the same danger.

It’s important to note that this is a retrospective study, so it can’t prove that cannabis directly causes diabetes. There are also some limitations—like missing details about how much or how often people used cannabis, and the possibility that some use went unreported.

Still, the findings are a wake-up call as cannabis becomes more widely available and accepted. “As cannabis use goes mainstream, understanding its impact on health is crucial,” says Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, the study’s lead author. “Healthcare professionals need to talk openly with patients about cannabis and help them understand their risk of diabetes.”

If you use cannabis—or are just concerned about your metabolic health—don’t wait for more studies to roll in. Take action now to protect yourself. Working with a ProTime-Fitness health coach can help you make sense of your risk factors, build healthier habits, and stay on top of your metabolic health. ProTime-Fitness coaches are trained to guide you through personalized strategies for diet, exercise, and routine screenings so that you can stay ahead of potential health issues—no matter what your lifestyle looks like.

Don’t leave your health to chance. Reach out to a ProTime-Fitness health coach today and take the first step toward a healthier future.

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