Cannabis Use Is Associated With Increased Risk for Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Findings From the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry

Diabetes Care. 2020 Jan;43(1):247-249. doi: 10.2337/dc19-0365. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

Abstract

Objective: We examined the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in cannabis users compared with nonusers in the T1D Exchange clinic registry (T1DX).

Research design and methods: The association between cannabis use by total substance score for cannabis (TSC) and DKA in the past 12 months was examined using a logistic regression model adjusted for potential confounders among adults in the T1DX.

Results: Of 932 adults with type 1 diabetes, 61 had a TSC >4, which classified them as moderate cannabis users. Adjusting for sex, age at study visit, and HbA1c, cannabis use was associated with a twofold increase in risk for DKA among adults with type 1 diabetes (odds ratio 2.5 [95% CI 1.0-5.9]).

Conclusions: Cannabis use was associated with an increased risk for DKA among adults in the T1DX. Providers should inform their patients of the potential risk of DKA with cannabis use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cannabis / adverse effects
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / epidemiology*
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / epidemiology*
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / complications
  • Marijuana Abuse / epidemiology*
  • Marijuana Smoking / adverse effects
  • Marijuana Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Registries
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult