Our editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Learn more.
In This Article
Why You Can Trust American Marijuana
How CBD Oil May Help with Diabetes
Supporting Your Immune System Naturally
CBD and Weight Management
Easing Diabetic Complications
Skin Irritation and Inflammation
Best CBD Oils for Diabetes: Our Picks
CBDfx CBD Oil
FOCL CBD Oil Drops
NuLeaf Naturals
CBDistillery Pure CBD Oil
Elixinol Everyday Daily Balance
How Much CBD Oil Should You Take for Diabetes
Side Effects to Watch For
Can CBD Oil Lower Blood Pressure?
Does CBD oil Raise Blood Pressure?
How to Use CBD Oil for Diabetes
Vaping CBD
Sublingual Drops (Tinctures)
Edibles and Capsules (Ingesting)
Topical Application
Final Thoughts
CBD for Diabetes FAQs
Why You Can Trust American Marijuana
American Marijuana has been a trusted cannabis site since 2014, with a team of experts in the field working to ensure you’re only receiving premium quality information.
How CBD Oil May Help with Diabetes
At the heart of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes lies insulin resistance. This occurs when your body’s cells stop responding properly to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Instead of absorbing glucose for energy, those cells leave it floating in your bloodstream, raising your blood sugar levels over time.
While there’s still more research needed, CBD is showing promise, especially for anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is a key driver of insulin resistance. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vital regulatory network that exists throughout the body and is affected by diabetes.
In theory, by helping the ECS restore balance in areas of inflammation and immune dysfunction, CBD may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce complications over time.
Supporting Your Immune System Naturally
Many CBD oils use coconut oil as a carrier, which brings its own health perks to the table. Coconut oil contains vitamin E, a known immune-supporting antioxidant that may enhance CBD’s wellness benefits for people managing diabetes.
CBD and Weight Management
Excess weight (particularly, abdominal fat) is one of the strongest predictors of type 2 diabetes. Research has found that CBD users tend to have smaller waist circumferences and lower fasting insulin levels.
So, how does CBD help with weight? It may support weight management in two big ways:
- Appetite regulation – CBD has been shown to suppress appetite, reducing overeating.
- Fat browning – In one study, CBD promoted the conversion of white fat (which stores energy) into brown fat (which burns energy), helping the body use calories more efficiently.
For those living with diabetes or at risk of developing it, this could mean an easier time managing weight and, ultimately, better blood sugar control.
Easing Diabetic Complications
Beyond prevention, CBD may help alleviate some of diabetes’s most difficult complications.
Diabetic neuropathy — nerve damage that causes pain, tingling, and numbness, especially in the hands and feet — is one of the condition’s most debilitating symptoms.
Early clinical evidence suggests that CBD may ease neuropathic pain more effectively than traditional options, including opioids (without the risk of addiction). Furthermore, because CBD acts directly on the nervous system through the ECS, it may help prevent nerve damage from worsening.
Another exciting possibility? CBD may boost nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein critical to nerve health and repair.
Skin Irritation and Inflammation
Many people with diabetes also experience chronic skin conditions, including rashes, dry patches, and slow-healing sores (especially on their feet).
Thanks to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, CBD may help:
- Reduce itchiness and redness
- Promote healing of minor wounds
- Restore the skin’s protective barrier
Applied topically or taken as an oil, CBD can support the body’s natural healing process. This offers relief from discomfort and supports skin recovery from the inside out.
Best CBD Oils for Diabetes: Our Picks
Best CBG
CBDfx: CBD Oil
Quality 100%
Effectiveness 100%
Price 100%
Customer Service 100%
Transparency & Accuracy 100%
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Contains CBN
- Price: $69.99
- Volume: 30 mL
- Total CBD: 1000mg
- Potency: 33.33mg/mL
We’ve tried a lot of CBD oils over the years, and CBDfx stands out for good reason. With over 18,000 verified reviews, the brand has built serious trust. They even offer a 60-day guarantee, giving us extra confidence.
CBDfx offers two types of oil: Calming and Wellness. For this review, we focused on the Wellness Oil, and we’re glad we did. What sets it apart is the formula. It uses a 2:1 ratio of CBD to cannabigerol (CBG), and includes curcumin and coenzyme Q10 (both known for their health benefits).
Let’s break it down. The added CBG works with CBD to support your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). We noticed more consistent effects using both together than with CBD alone.
As for curcumin, it’s the compound found in turmeric that helps with inflammation — something we always appreciate after a long workday. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant your body makes naturally to help produce energy, but production drops with age. Including it here makes sense, especially if you want a simple way to support daily wellness.
We found this oil easy to use, smooth in taste, and felt good knowing we were getting more than just CBD in every drop.
Best THC-Free
FOCL: Daily Calm Broad Spectrum Drops
Quality 100%
Effectiveness 100%
Price 100%
Customer Service 100%
Transparency & Accuracy 100%
- Full spectrum and broad-spectrum
- Premium quality ingredients
- Free shipping on all orders
- Price: $59 – $119
- Volume: 30 mL
- Total CBD: 1000mg – 3000mg
- Potency: 33.33mg – 100mg/mL
We tried FOCL’s CBD oil drops and were impressed. Based in Thousand Oaks, California, FOCL has built a reputation for clean, high-quality hemp products, and its tinctures live up to that reputation.
These drops use THC-free broad-spectrum CBD, which is great if you’re trying to avoid tetrahydrocannabinol or need to pass a drug test. We liked that peace of mind while still getting the benefits of other plant compounds.
The potency options are another win. You can choose between 1000mg, 2000mg, or 3000mg bottles. We tested the 2000mg version and felt the effects quickly. If you’re just starting out, the 1000mg version is a solid pick, and you can always take more if needed.
FOCL offers five natural flavors: Natural, Orange Cream, Mint, Cherry, and Strawberry Lemonade. We tried the Mint and Cherry, and both had a clean, refreshing taste without that earthy aftertaste you sometimes get with CBD oils.
Ordering was simple. You can buy single bottles, bundle them with other FOCL products, or set up a subscription. Plus, they offer free shipping and regular promo codes, which we always appreciate.
Most Potent
NuLeaf Naturals: CBD Oil
Quality 97%
Effectiveness 100%
Price 97%
Customer Service 97%
Transparency & Accuracy 100%
- No additives
- 100% organic
- Third-party lab tested
- Potency 240mg - 2425mg
- Price: $149
- Volume: 30mL
- Total CBD: 1800mg
- Potency: 60mg/mL
We tested NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil and were immediately struck by the potency. At 60mg of CBD per mL, this oil packs a serious punch, and it’s one of the strongest legal tinctures we’ve come across.
While we reviewed the 1800mg bottle, NuLeaf also offers options ranging from a milder 300mg bottle (10mg/mL) to a massive 6000mg version for those who want maximum strength. That variety makes it easy to find your ideal dose.
What makes this oil stand out is its whole-plant extract. It includes phytocannabinoids, hemp proteins, terpenes, and vitamins, all naturally found in the hemp plant. We found the effects to be fast and consistent, likely due to this full-spectrum profile.
There are no additives or fillers, just clean, high-potency CBD. If you’re looking for something strong and straightforward, this is one we fully recommend.
Best Isolate
CBDistillery: CBD Oil
Quality 100%
Effectiveness 97%
Price 100%
Customer Service 97%
Transparency & Accuracy 97%
- Top product quality all seasons
- Public laboratory tests
- All extract types available
- Price: $55.00
- Volume: 30 mL
- Total CBD: 1000mg
- Potency: 33mg/mL
We tried CBDistillery’s CBD isolate tincture and loved how simple and effective it was. With 1000mg of pure CBD, this oil delivers around 33mg per serving, making it a solid choice for daily use.
Since it’s an isolate, there’s zero THC, which made it easy to use during the day without worry. The natural flavor is light and blends well into drinks or meals. We added it to our morning tea and barely noticed it was there.
CBDistillery also offers a full range of extract options. If you’re looking for a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD, you can find it all on their site. That flexibility makes them a great go-to for different preferences or needs.
Each bottle runs at $55, but we found you can save 20% with their subscription plan, plus get free shipping. They also accept promo codes, which gave us even more reason to stock up.
Top Quality
Elixinol: CBD Oil Tinctures
Quality 100%
Effectiveness 95%
Price 90%
Customer Service 100%
Transparency & Accuracy 100%
- Variety of formulas
- Includes liposomal CBD oil
- Free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more
- Price: $29.99 – $49.99
- Volume: 30 mL – 60 mL
- Total CBD: 500mg – 1000mg
- Potency: 16mg/mL
We tried Elixinol’s Everyday Daily Balance and found it to be a solid option for gentle, consistent wellness support. This oil uses full-spectrum CBD, so you’re getting a full blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural compounds from the hemp plant.
The flavor options are simple but effective: Natural or CinnaMint. We personally liked the CinnaMint, which added a refreshing twist without being too strong.
This oil comes in two sizes (30 mL or 60 mL), but both contain the same potency of 16mg per serving. If you need a higher dose, Elixinol also offers an Extra Strength CBD Oil with 33mg per serving and a total of 4000mg CBD.
What really stood out to us, though, were elixinol’s liposomal formulas. These are designed to help your body absorb more CBD, which means you may feel the effects faster and more efficiently than with traditional tinctures.
How Much CBD Oil Should You Take for Diabetes
Let’s clear this up first: CBD dosage isn’t standardized. That’s because CBD isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and everyone’s body reacts differently to it. Your age, weight, metabolism, and even the potency of the oil you use all factor into how much you should take.
Still, there are general guidelines that can help you find your sweet spot. Here’s our suggested daily dosages based on the severity of your symptoms:
Severity of Symptoms | Suggested Daily CBD Dosage |
---|---|
Mild symptoms | 20-25mg |
Moderate type 2 diabetes | 40-50mg |
Type 1 diabetes | 40-50mg |
Severe cases | 100-150mg |
Not all bodies respond the same way to CBD. That’s why most people are encouraged to start low and increase gradually. Start with a small CBD dosage, track your blood sugar levels, and watch for any changes.
Make sure you’re using a product with consistent potency so that any effects you feel (or don’t) can be accurately attributed to your dosage.
Pro tip: Talk to your doctor to help determine whether your diabetes is mild, moderate, or severe before starting.
Side Effects to Watch For
CBD is generally safe, but large doses may lead to:
- Lethargy or feeling overly relaxed
- Digestive issues like diarrhea
- A “body high” that slows you down
These side effects are usually temporary and non-threatening, but they can still be disruptive, notably if you’re working or managing other health conditions.
Can CBD Oil Lower Blood Pressure?
Yes, CBD oil may lower blood pressure, particularly if your hypertension is linked to stress, pain, or inflammation. Here’s how:
- Stress relief – CBD reduces cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress-induced blood pressure spikes.
- Vasodilation – CBD relaxes and dilates blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and at lower pressure.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits – If your blood pressure is caused by inflammation in the heart or arteries, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help.
Pain causes stress, and stress elevates blood pressure. Because CBD is a natural analgesic, it helps reduce pain signals, potentially lowering your blood pressure in the process.
Does CBD oil Raise Blood Pressure?
Nope! There’s no evidence to suggest that CBD increases blood pressure. In fact, the compound has built its reputation on being gentle, non-intoxicating, and generally well-tolerated by most people.
How to Use CBD Oil for Diabetes
When it comes to managing diabetes with CBD, how you take it matters. Different delivery methods offer different levels of bioavailability (how much your body absorbs), speed of action, and overall effectiveness. And your body’s individual response plays a big role too:
There are a few factors to consider when trying to figure out which method is best, including bioavailability, speed of action, and how your body reacts to CBD.
Vaping CBD
What is it: Inhaling vaporized CBD oil, shatter, isolate, or hemp flower.
Pros:
- Fast-acting – Effects kick in within minutes.
- High bioavailability – Your body absorbs more CBD compared to other methods.
Cons:
- Lung health concerns – Regular vaping may irritate or damage the lungs.
- Dosing challenges – It’s tough to track exactly how much CBD you’re getting, especially when vaping flower.
Best for: Quick relief from stress, anxiety, or pain-related blood sugar spikes.
Sublingual Drops (Tinctures)
What is it: Dropping CBD oil under your tongue and letting it absorb through the mucous membrane.
Pros:
- Decent bioavailability – More efficient than edibles.
- Gentle on the body – No impact on the lungs.
- Moderately fast – effects are typically felt in 15 to 45 minutes.
Cons:
- Taste – Some tinctures have a strong or bitter flavor.
Best for: Daily, controlled dosing with reliable onset and minimal side effects.
Edibles and Capsules (Ingesting)
What is it: Taking CBD in the form of gummies, capsules, or infused foods.
Pros:
- Long-lasting effects – CBD is released slowly over time.
- Discreet and easy – No mess, no dropper, no smell.
Cons:
- Slower onset – It can take 1 to 2 hours to feel the effects.
- First-pass metabolism – CBD is processed by the liver, which may affect how your other medications work, especially insulin or metformin.
Best for: Those who prefer slow-release support throughout the day.
Topical Application
What is it: Applying CBD-infused creams, balms, or serums directly to the skin.
Pros:
- Targeted relief – Great for treating diabetes-related skin issues, like dryness, inflammation, and poor circulation.
- No systemic effects – Won’t interact with other medications or affect blood sugar.
Cons:
- Localized impact – It won’t help with insulin sensitivity or systemic inflammation.
Best for: Managing skin complications from diabetes and supporting local healing.
Final Thoughts
Diabetes impacts millions globally and, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious health complications. Staying on top of your blood sugar is crucial, and for many, CBD may offer an extra layer of support.
As we’ve reviewed, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD may help with:
- Pain relief
- Blood pressure regulation
- Immune system support
- Weight management
While it’s not a cure, CBD shows promise as a complementary option for managing diabetes-related symptoms. Always consult your doctor before adding CBD to your wellness routine, especially if you’re already on medication or managing other health conditions.
With the right approach, CBD could become a helpful tool in your diabetes care plan.
CBD for Diabetes FAQs
While research is ongoing and more studies are needed to confirm it, studies have shown that CBD can decrease glucose levels and increase pancreatic function.
As with most conditions, full spectrum CBD is considered to be the most effective, as it evokes the Entourage Effect and allows for the user to benefit from a full range of cannabinoids and terpenes.