[Study] How Hot Tubs Help Manage Type-2 Diabetes

Managing diabetes often requires a careful balance of diet, exercise, and stress management. While traditional methods like regular physical activity and healthy eating are cornerstones of diabetes care, some individuals are exploring alternative therapies to support their well-being. One such method gaining attention is hot tub therapy.

Recent research highlighted in a MedicalXpress article reveals that soaking in a hot tub may offer surprising benefits for people with type-2 diabetes. From improving circulation to mimicking some of the effects of exercise, hot tubs could serve as a relaxing and effective addition to a diabetes management plan.

In this blog, we’ll explore how hot tub therapy works, its potential benefits for those living with diabetes, and practical tips for safely incorporating it into your routine. Let’s dive in!

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar is too high due to the lack of insulin or the body not responding to the effects of insulin. Many forms of diabetes are chronic, lifelong conditions but it is manageable with the correct medication and lifestyle changes.

Common Challenges in Diabetes Management

For many people with diabetes, the day-to-day challenges can feel overwhelming. Here are some of the most common hurdles:

1. Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is the main step of diabetes management, but factors like diet, stress, illness, and even sleep patterns can make this difficult.
2. Circulatory Issues: Diabetes can lead to poor circulation, particularly in the hands and feet, which can cause discomfort and increase the risk of complications like infections and ulcers.
3. Stress and Fatigue: Living with a chronic condition can take a toll on mental health. Stress and fatigue can impact well-being while also triggering blood sugar fluctuations.
4. Physical Limitations: For some individuals, engaging in regular exercise—the cornerstone of many diabetes care plans—may be difficult due to mobility issues, joint pain, or other health concerns.

A recent study published in the Journal of Thermal Biology and the American Journal of Physiology dove into the benefits of a hot tub soak when managing type-2 diabetes.

What the Research Says About Hot Tub Therapy

The study published dives into the impact a hot tub soak can have on those with type-2 diabetes. 14 participants with type-2 diabetes were submerged in 40°C water for an hour, 8-12 times within a 2-week period. The findings were as followed:

• Participants responded better to insulin after their soak.
• Their bodies started burning more calories at rest, meaning they could improve their ability to manage physical activity.
• Participants hearts worked easier, and their blood pressure lowered.

With more research, the aim of the study is to implement hot water therapy as a method for treating type-2 diabetes across the board. This could result in improved well-being, blood sugar, and heart health.

Understanding Potential Concerns

It is important that you contact your doctor before adjusting anything when you are dealing with type-2 diabetes. Hot tub therapy isn’t always suitable for everyone and should only be used when approved by your healthcare team.

Should your doctor advise hot tub soaks, be sure to monitor your temperature and blood sugar throughout. Don’t stay in the hot tub for too long and stay hydrated. If you have any other health conditions, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure it is suitable for that.

This study has taken strides in understanding the impact of hydrotherapy on type-2 diabetes management. With more research and a larger group, doctors and healthcare teams will be able to advice hot tubs to those who suffer with the illness.

Beachcomber Hot Tubs support diabetes research and hope to see more updates on this in the future.