Marijuana users found to have 16% lower fasting insulin levels than non-users

Marijuana use has been associated with lower fasting insulin levels

<p> &nbsp;</p> <div> People who smoke marijuana have been found to have 16 per cent lower fasting insulin levels than non-users, according to research published in The American Journal of Medicine.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> In light of the findings, professor of medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Joseph Albert, called for more basic and clinical research into the short and long-term effects of marijuana in a variety of clinical settings, including cancer and diabetes.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Data from 4,657 patients who completed a drug questionnaire was used to inform the research. Some 579 were current marijuana users, while 1,975 had used it in the past.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Those who reported using marijuana in the past month had lower levels of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. The link was weaker in candidates that reported using marijuana at least once, but not in the past 30 days. &nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Professor Albert commented: &quot;These are indeed remarkable observations that are supported, as the authors note, by basic science experiments that came to similar conclusions.&quot;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Previous studies have shown that while marijuana users tend to take in more calories, they often have lower body mass indexes and smaller waist circumferences.&nbsp;</div>