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Diabetes Q&A | Type 1 | Are there ANY medicinal benefits, such
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10/28/08 01:03 AM

"Are there ANY medicinal benefits, such as vision or arterio concerns, from smoking marijuana on a daily basis?"
Asked By: combos9  
Category: Type 1

Background Info Hide
Type I since 1966 (age 12) I have smoked Marijuana quite often for almost 35years. My A1c has always been between 7.2 and 8.4 the highest. My PrimaryCare Doctor has said several times "Everything is looking Great. Keep it up!!" My opthomoligist every year says "I see no changes due to the diabetes. Good report!" All my caregivers have been informed of my use. WHEN is that stuff going to be decriminalized?? James

Expert Answers (1)

11/05/08 10:57 PM

Hello, Glad that your doctors feel that you are controlling your blood sugars. The American Diabetes Association recommends target hemoglobin A1c to be under 7% or lower if the person with diabetes do not experience frequent low blood sugar levels. However, the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists tends to be stricter and prefer that the A1c be below 6.5%. The therapeutic value of marijuana is associated with specific symptoms under various conditions. It should be noted that THC, the primary active ingredient in marijuana, is an FDA-approved drug referred to as dronabinol and marketed as Marinol. Marijuana is advocated primarily for relief from the symptoms of disease rather than as a cure. The psychological effects, such as anxiety reduction, sedation, and euphoria, can influence their potential therapeutic value. Because marijuana is not an approved medicine, there is little information about the consequences of its medical use in modern society. Proponents of medical use of marijuana recommend that the benefits be evaluated in clinical trials. One has to keep in mind that there are also known risks associated with the medical use of marijuana. The rates of disruptive disorders tend to increase with increased drug use. Particularly for patients at high risk for substance dependence, marijuana would not be appropriate. Another concern is that people who enjoy the effects of marijuana are, logically, more likely to be willing to try other mood-altering drugs than are people who are not willing to try marijuana or who dislike its effects. The medical community has to weigh the benefits as well as the risks associated with all medications. Take care.
Answered By: Liz Quintana
Accreditations: EdD, RD, LD, CDE,CPT
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