Study: CBD Protects Insulin-Producing Cells in Obesity, Boosts Key Metabolic Pathway

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

February 27 2026

In a rat model of diet-induced obesity, researchers investigated CBD's effects on pancreatic beta-cell function and the PI3K/AKT/PDX1 pathway. Thirty-two male Wistar rats received high-fat diet for eight weeks to induce obesity, then eight weeks of interventions: CBD (10 mg/kg, five times weekly), aerobic training, CBD plus training, or sedentary control. Beta-cell function improved significantly with CBD alone (HOMA-Beta p=0.002) and combined with training (p=0.001), but not training alone. Gene expression of PI3K, AKT, and PDX1 rose markedly in CBD groups, promoting cell survival and insulin regulation; synergistic boosts occurred with combined treatment. Aerobic exercise activated the pathway but failed to enhance function without CBD. These findings indicate CBD protects insulin-producing beta cells and enhances key metabolic signaling in obesity, potentially countering dysfunction linked to metabolic disease. This suggests therapeutic potential for cannabinoids in preserving pancreatic health and improving glucose homeostasis amid obesity-related stress. Human trials are essential to validate applicability.