Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys pancreatic β-cells responsible for insulin production. Current treatment is limited to symptomatic insulin administration, which does not address the underlying autoimmunity. This disease is invisible—its daily struggle is felt only by those affected and their loved ones.

T1D is associated with severe complications such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, and cardiovascular system, as well as a high risk of depression and social exclusion. Numerous comorbid conditions further worsen patients' quality of life.

However, increasing evidence indicates that dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—which regulates inflammation, metabolism, and β-cell function—plays a key role in T1D. Modulation of the ECS using phytocannabinoids such as THC and CBD opens up new therapeutic possibilities, potentially reducing inflammation, supporting β-cell function, and restoring metabolic balance. Legal and societal barriers, however, continue to slow down research in this field, calling for grassroots initiatives to steer T1D treatment research in a new direction.