"Medicinal Cannabis: Diabetes, Glaucoma, and Hypertension" is an in-depth course that examines the role of cannabinoids in managing chronic conditions. This course provides a scientific framework for understanding the pharmacology of cannabis and its applications in improving patient outcomes. Participants will gain insights into the adjunctive use of cannabinoids alongside conventional therapies.
Unit 1: Diabetes, Glaucoma, and Hypertension
This foundational unit provides an overview of diabetes (type 1 and type 2), glaucoma, and hypertension. Key topics include:
- The pathophysiology and prevalence of these conditions.
- Their shared comorbidities and the impact on overall health.
- Conventional management strategies, including pharmacological and lifestyle interventions.
- The challenges posed by vision impairment, neuropathy, and cardiovascular complications.
Unit 2: Prevention and Treatment
This unit emphasises the importance of prevention and comprehensive treatment strategies:
- Lifestyle interventions such as hypocaloric diets (e.g., the Mediterranean diet) and physical activity to enhance insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health.
- An overview of pharmacological treatments for diabetes and hypertension, including insulin sensitisers, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and antihypertensive drugs.
- The interconnected role of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes in exacerbating cardiovascular risks.
Unit 3: The Pharmacology of Cannabis
A deep dive into the pharmacological properties of cannabinoids:
- The endocannabinoid system and its role in metabolic regulation, immune modulation, and pain management.
- The specific properties and clinical applications of major cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and THCV.
- Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies on the use of cannabinoids in managing diabetes, glaucoma, and hypertension.
- Challenges in cannabinoid therapy, including dosage optimisation, solubility issues, and potential side effects.
Unit 4: Cannabis in Diabetes Treatment
Focused on case-based applications of medicinal cannabis:
- How cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can alleviate diabetes-related symptoms like neuropathic pain, restless legs syndrome, and vascular complications.
- Detailed case studies demonstrating reductions in pain, blood pressure, and medication dependency with adjunctive cannabis therapy.
- Insights into the potential weight loss benefits and metabolic improvements associated with cannabinoid use.
- Guidelines for monitoring patient outcomes and integrating cannabis into a broader treatment plan.
This course combines evidence-based research, clinical examples, and practical strategies to empower healthcare professionals in using medicinal cannabis as a safe and effective adjunct therapy. It is designed to ensure learners are equipped with the knowledge to support their patients responsibly while advancing their practice.
This course is designed for GPs and is also suitable for all degree qualified medical professionals.
