Viral Shah, MD Assistant Professor of Medicine & Pediatrics Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Adult Clinic School of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Cannabis May Raise Risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Viral Shah, MD Assistant Professor of Medicine & Pediatrics Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Adult Clinic School of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Dr. Shah

Viral Shah, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine & Pediatrics
Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Adult Clinic
School of Medicine
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Cannabis use is increasing in Colorado and many patients with type 1 diabetes (which is an autoimmune form of diabetes that requires life insulin therapy) are using cannabis. Therefore, we surveyed adult patients with type 1 diabetes to study the association between cannabis use and glycemic control and diabetes acute complications (such as diabetic ketoacidosis) in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Main findings of the study:  The risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition where body produces high levels of acids called ketones in patients with diabetes)  was two times higher among adults with type 1 diabetes who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months compared to adults with type 1 diabetes who reported not using cannabis.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Cannabis use may be associated with high risk for diabetic ketoacidosis.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work? 

Response: With increasing cannabis use in the USA, we need more research to understand how cannabis (or its different components) affects gut motility, glucose metabolism and risk for diabetes related complications. 

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: This is a cross-sectional study and therefore, cause and effect relation between cannabis and diabetic ketoacidosis needs to be examined in future research.

No financial support or any disclosures related to this study.

Citation:

Akturk HK, Taylor DD, Camsari UM, Rewers A, Kinney GL, Shah VN. Association Between Cannabis Use and Risk for Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes. JAMA Intern Med. Published online November 05, 2018. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.5142 

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Last Updated on November 6, 2018 by Marie Benz MD FAAD