Marijuana use linked to increased risk of prediabetes

A US study shows regular marijuana use in young adulthood to be associated with an increased risk of developing prediabetes by the time of reaching middle adulthood.
The study used data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Initial data was taken between 1992 and 1993 and compared with data from 2010 to 2011. Over 3,000 participants were included within the study.
The results showed that participants that were recorded as currently using marijuana were 65% more likely to develop prediabetes in middle adulthood than those who had never used the drug. Participants that had used marijuana more than 100 times in their life had a 49% greater risk of developing prediabetes in middle adulthood than those who had never used it.
Whilst marijuana usage was associated with a greater risk of prediabetes, the study did not show an increased risk of type 2 diabetes by middle adulthood. Whilst a greater risk of prediabetes suggests a greater risk of type 2 diabetes would be likely, further studies would be needed to confirm whether or not this would be the case.
The researchers note that whilst the study shows an association between marijuana use and increased prediabetes, a number of other factors related to health may also play a part.
The study, led by Michael P. Bancks, is published online by the Diabetologia Journal.