Can a Diabetes Get a Medical Card?
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
Living with diabetes can be difficult, and managing the condition can be complex and time-consuming. If you have diabetes, you may be wondering if you can get a medical card to help cover the costs of treatment and management.
In general, people with diabetes are eligible for a medical card if they meet certain criteria.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly process and use glucose, a type of sugar. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy, and it comes from the food we eat.
When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin (a hormone that helps glucose get into cells) or can’t use its own insulin properly. As a result, too much glucose stays in your blood instead of being used for energy.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, while type 2 diabetes is more common in adults. However, type 2 diabetes is also increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Body?
Diabetes can cause a number of serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and eye problems.
Heart Disease and Stroke
People with diabetes are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. In fact, about 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
High blood sugar levels damage the arteries, which can lead to a build-up of plaque. This plaque can narrow the arteries and make it harder for blood to flow. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Kidney Damage
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure. About 30% of people with diabetes will develop kidney disease.
High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, which filter waste from the blood. This damage can lead to kidney disease and, eventually, kidney failure.
Nerve Damage
Diabetes can cause nerve damage, also called neuropathy. This occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.
Nerve damage can cause a number of problems, including pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet. It can also lead to digestive problems, such as constipation or diarrhea. In severe cases, nerve damage can cause problems with sexual function or increase the risk of falls and fractures.
Eye Problems
Diabetes can also lead to a number of eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina, the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that helps you see. This damage can lead to vision loss or blindness.
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age than people without diabetes.
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, which carries information from the eye to the brain. People with diabetes are at increased risk for glaucoma.
Can You Get a Medical Card if You Have Diabetes?
In most cases, people with diabetes are eligible for a medical marijuana card if they meet their state’s requirements for obtaining one. Prospective patients must follow their respective states’ application processes, which usually entail visiting a medical marijuana doctor and submitting an official medical marijuana application.
If you have questions about your eligibility for a medical marijuana card, it’s best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional. They can help you understand your state’s requirements and guide you through the application process.
Can Medical Marijuana Help with Diabetes?
There is some anecdotal evidence that suggests medical marijuana can help with diabetes. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to say for sure whether this is the case or not. More research is needed in this area in order to determine if medical marijuana can be an effective treatment for diabetes.
In the meantime, if you are considering using medical marijuana to treat your diabetes, it is important to speak with your doctor first. They can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of using medical marijuana and can also provide you with guidance on how to use it safely.
How we reviewed this article:
- Medical Marijuana and Diabetes
https://elevate-holistics.com/medical-condition/medical-marijuana-and-diabetes/ - Marijuana and Diabetes: Benefits and Precautions
https://www.verywellhealth.com/marijuana-and-diabetes-5105170
Current Version
April 17, 2022
Written By
John DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
John DiBella is the co-founder and CEO at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. His goal is to foster healthier lifestyles to improve individuals’ quality of life and health span through online medical and non-medical services. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping, surfing and sailing.
