MORAY DIABETES SUFFERERS could find themselves using cannabis as a treatment for kidney failure brought about by their condition.
With around 40% of those who suffer from diabetes going on to develop kidney failure, researchers at Aberdeen University have been undertaking a study into methods that might make kidneys respond better to insulin.
It is already known that ingredients from cannabis plants can be used in the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, brought about by cannibanoids acting with existing cannibanoid receptors in the human body.
The same ‘CB1 and CB2’ receptors are found in kidney cells – now the leader of a research team in Aberdeen is saying that their work, funded by Diabetes UK, is producing evidence that the same methods can be used to treat kidney issues caused by diabetes.
Dr Mirela Delibegovic said: “New evidence suggests that to combat diabetes and its complications, we want to block CB1 receptors and activate CB2, and we think these novel compounds could allow us to do this.
“Diabetic nephropathy can lead to patients requiring dialysis or renal transplantation, therefore identifying if novel cannabinoid compounds can be used to ameliorate this disease is of upmost importance.”
A spokesman for the Moray branch of Diabetes UK said: “Any research of this kind that helps develop methods of reducing or treating kidney disease will be welcome and is, of course, just part of the many research strands being funded by Diabetes UK.”