Cannabis use prevalence among individuals with diabetes: The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2005-2018.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the current study is to estimate cannabis use prevalence among individuals with diabetes participating in the United States (US) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2005-2018. Plausible biological mechanisms link cannabis use and metabolic regulation. Cannabis use can also alter perception and adherence to treatment especially among patients with insulin-dependent diabetes.

METHODS

The NSDUH is designed to select and recruit, annually, a representative sample of the non-institutionalized US population (12+ years). Computer-assisted self-interviews gathered information on cannabis use. The current study sample included 30,915 participants who self-reported a physician diagnosis of diabetes.

RESULTS

Prevalence of past 30-day cannabis use increased 340% among individuals with diabetes, from 1.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 2.6) in 2005 to 5.8% (95% CI = 4.7, 7.1) in 2018. Results from the logistic regression model indicated that this increase was robust (odds ratio of cannabis use per NSDUH year = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.10, 1.15). The increase was observed among different sociodemographic subgroups and in states with or without medical cannabis laws.

CONCLUSIONS

As cannabis use prevalence increases, screening for use among diabetes patients is needed to optimize outcomes and reduce potential adverse effects.