A meta-analysis examined the discrepant evidence on whether cannabis use is associated with type 2 diabetes risk, finding complex metabolic interactions.
Endocrinologists, primary care providers, diabetes researchers, and cannabis users with metabolic concerns.
Mixed evidenceCannabis-diabetes association is complex with discrepant findings across studies
What the researchers found
The systematic review and meta-analysis found mixed evidence regarding cannabis use and type 2 diabetes risk, with cannabis affecting glucose regulation and insulin secretion through multiple pathways that may produce different effects depending on use patterns.
Why it matters
With both cannabis use and diabetes prevalence increasing globally, understanding their relationship is important for clinical guidance and public health messaging.
The numbers in context
Cannabis affects metabolism via pathways including glucose regulation and insulin secretion, but studies on the cannabis-diabetes association have been discrepant.
How the study worked
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the association between cannabis use and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk.
Who was studied
General population studies examining cannabis use in relation to type 2 diabetes risk.
What this study cannot tell us
Heterogeneity in study designs and definitions of cannabis use; confounding by lifestyle factors; different metabolic effects of acute vs chronic use.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review with meta-analysis; strong methodology but limited by heterogeneous underlying evidence.
When this study was published
Recent meta-analysis synthesizing the current state of cannabis-diabetes evidence.
The bigger picture
The cannabis-metabolism relationship is complex, with some studies suggesting protective metabolic effects and others suggesting harm, likely reflecting different use patterns and populations.
Replication
Reflects the ongoing debate in the literature; meta-analysis provides best available synthesis.
Funding
Not specified
Conflicts of interest
Not specified
Questions still open
- Does frequency of use affect diabetes risk differently?
- Which cannabinoids have metabolic effects?
- Could cannabis interact with diabetes medications?
Read the original research
Association between cannabis use and risk of diabetes mellitus type 2: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Phytotherapy research : PTR, 37(11), 5092-5108
Citation
Mousavi, Seyed Ehsan; Tondro Anamag, Farhad; Sanaie, Sarvin. (2023). Association between cannabis use and risk of diabetes mellitus type 2: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 37(11), 5092-5108. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7973