A new study has found that people who use cannabis are four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-users.
The research, led by Dr. Ibrahim of Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts, analyzed medical records from 54 health care organizations across the United States and Europe. The team compared nearly 96,800 individuals with cannabis-related conditions, ranging from casual use to addiction, against more than 4.6 million people with a history of drug use or chronic illness.
Results showed that over a five-year period, 2.2% of cannabis users developed type 2 diabetes, while only 0.6% of non-users were diagnosed with the disease. Even after adjusting for other health risks such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, and alcohol or cocaine use, cannabis users remained at significantly higher risk.
Researchers note that cannabis can affect appetite, metabolism, and insulin resistance, while also being linked to unhealthy eating patterns and elevated blood sugar levels over time.
With cannabis use becoming legal in several countries, the study warns that its long-term health risks may be far greater than many people assume, particularly when viewed as a safer alternative to alcohol or tobacco.
