CBD and Mental Health in Diabetes
31 October 2024Diabetes can affect not only your physical health but also your mental health, which is why using CBD might be a good idea. Diabetes is a condition that can be challenging to manage, with the added responsibility of handling your own treatment. This can lead to stress. CBD oil can be used as support for stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues. In this blog, we explain how it might benefit you.
Stress Issues with Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes physical symptoms. However, many people underestimate its impact on mental well-being. This isn’t just due to the knowledge that people with type 1 diabetes tend to have a shorter life expectancy. You are also personally responsible for managing the disease, which can bring a lot of uncertainty and pressure.
With diabetes, you must inject insulin daily. The burden of this routine can be overwhelming, and people often experience stress, anxiety, and low mood. There’s a clear link between managing diabetes and emotional health issues, which isn’t surprising. Managing your own treatment, where a small mistake can have serious consequences, is a big stress factor.
Diabetes can also lead to various complications. Severe hypoglycemia that causes loss of consciousness or hospitalization can provoke intense fear. As a result, diabetes is often associated with anxiety, feelings of anger or sadness, and even PTSD. Fortunately, CBD can help support mental health issues related to diabetes.
CBD for Mental Health Support in Diabetes
Many people with diabetes experience long-term, chronic stress due to their condition. Short-term stress usually doesn’t pose a problem for body and mind. This refers to brief moments of tension, such as before a speech or a driving test.
Long-term stress, however, can lead to issues. Your body and mind are under constant pressure. Stress that lasts too long can cause harm. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline prepare you to flee or fight. In the past, this response was essential for survival. Your heart beats faster, your muscles tense, and you feel more energized. However, constant stress can harm your health.
Are you experiencing stress and anxiety due to diabetes? This can impact both physical and mental health. Chronic stress can weaken your immune system and raise blood pressure. It may also lead to headaches, muscle pain, and sleep problems. Mentally, stress can take a toll, often accompanying anxiety disorders or depression. So, what can CBD offer for mental health if you have diabetes?
CBD, Stress, and the Endocannabinoid System
How can CBD influence both physical and mental well-being? CBD is a cannabinoid (cannabidiol) from the hemp plant. It interacts with the body via the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors responsible for maintaining natural balance (known as homeostasis).
To do so, the ECS affects various processes like sleep, immunity, digestion, emotions, and memory. As a result, it also influences your response to stress, anxiety, and pain. CBD has calming, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for mental health when dealing with diabetes.
The Benefits of CBD for Stress and Anxiety
How can you support your mental well-being with CBD? CBD is a natural product that helps in various ways. It has calming effects, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, ease rumination, and help you relax physically.
When stress levels are high, you may also struggle to sleep. Falling asleep and staying asleep can be difficult. CBD helps you relax at bedtime, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. Quality sleep is essential if you have diabetes, as it positively affects blood sugar levels. Furthermore, stress can worsen diabetic symptoms. Good sleep helps reduce stress hormones in your blood, preventing more severe issues.
Another benefit of CBD for diabetes is that it promotes certain neurotransmitters, like anandamide, dopamine, and serotonin, which positively impact mood. They contribute to feelings of happiness, well-being, and joy, helping you to better cope with stress.
Using CBD for Mental Health in Diabetes
If you’re interested in using CBD, browse our shop. We offer a variety of CBD products, including CBD oil, tablets, and edibles. All provide the same positive effects, so choose the intake method that best suits your needs.
It’s best to use CBD daily to build up a steady level in your bloodstream, resulting in more consistent effects. For sleep issues, take CBD in the evening. If you need more calm and relaxation during the day, take it in the morning. Alternatively, you could spread your dose throughout the day.
