New study to examine if cannabis can be used for diabetic nerve pain

Diabetic nerve pain patients registered for the state’s medical cannabis program in Pennsylvania have been invited to join a new study.

The medical research group, Affinity Bio Partners is launching a new clinical study in partnership with the Serena Group. It is  estimated that approximately 47 percent of diabetic patients experience some peripheral neuropathy.

It is hoped that cannabis could potentially help with pain control and may stabilise blood sugar, suppress arterial inflammation, and lower blood pressure. However, more research is needed.

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Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that can occur in diabetic patients. The symptoms can include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, or burning, sharp and aching pain.

Diabetes is a growing concern in America with approximately 34.2 million people estimated to have the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This is roughly one in every 10 people who are aware they have the disease.

In the UK, the numbers are thought to be 4.9 million, but it is expected to rise to 5.5 million people by 2030.

Affinity Bio Partners CEO Christina DiArcangelo said: “I am so excited to be working on this clinical study with Dr Bryan Doner and the Serena Group. The future of medical cannabis and cannabinoids as medical treatments are dependent upon properly performed clinical studies. It is time for companies to invest their money into performing clinical studies that prove safety and efficacy regarding their products.”

Studies on diabetic neuropathy and other symptoms

There has been limited research into the use of cannabis in managing the symptoms of diabetes which includes neuropathy.

A small study by the University of California in 2015 examined the effects of inhaled cannabis. Each participant in the study was exposed to 4 single dosing sessions of placebo or low to high THC doses. It found a dose-dependent reduction in diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain for those with treatment-resistant pain.

Another study that researched inflammation triggered by high glucose levels found that CBD could have positive effects on several markers of inflammation. It suggested that CBD may be helpful in counteracting the damage the disease does to the blood vessel walls.

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