A groundbreaking study from the University of Portsmouth has revealed that soaking in hot tubs can offer significant benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that this practice improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood pressure and promotes cardiovascular health. This approach could represent a complementary alternative to traditional methods of disease management, such as exercise, diet or medications.
The trial, although conducted on a small scale, involved 14 participants who were immersed in 40°C water for one hour, eight to ten times over a two-week period. The results, published in the Journal of Thermal Biology and the American Journal of Physiologyshowed that, although blood glucose levels did not change, the insulin needed to control these levels decreased significantly. This indicates that the participants’ bodies used insulin more efficiently after the dip sessions.
Dr Ant Shepherd, who leads the study from the university’s Faculty of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences, explained that this finding is crucial because many people with type 2 diabetes face challenges in maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. “The pancreas, which acts like a battery, has a limited capacity to produce insulin. “If we can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the amount needed, this could extend the lifespan of the pancreas and improve patients’ quality of life in the long term,” Shepherd said.
The study also highlighted other benefits. According to Dr. Thomas James, lead author of the work, participants burned fewer calories at rest after the hot tub sessions, suggesting that their bodies became more energy efficient. Although at first glance this may seem unfavorable, James explained that this efficiency reflects the body’s greater ability to perform everyday physical activities, such as climbing stairs or playing with the grandchildren, with less effort.
The positive effects were not limited to the period immediately after immersion. The researchers observed that the heat treatment facilitated the work of the heart even days after the sessions, reducing both blood pressure and the load on the cardiovascular system. This is because heat forces the body to adapt by lowering its basal temperature and reducing the energy consumed at rest, which in turn decreases oxygen demand and pressure within the blood vessels.
James illustrated the mechanism with a simple metaphor: “It’s like reducing the flow of water in a hose; The pressure inside the hose also decreases. “Similarly, exposure to heat reduces pressure in blood vessels, easing the work of the heart.”
However, the research team emphasized that these findings, although promising, should be interpreted with caution. The study’s small sample size underscores the need for larger research to confirm these effects in a more diverse group of participants. Despite this, the results offer an exciting prospect for exploring new non-invasive therapies that complement current treatments for type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Shepherd emphasized that not all patients have access or willingness to adopt lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, and that medications may have side effects or be limited in their long-term effectiveness. Therefore, finding alternative therapies is essential. “Hot tub therapy is not a replacement for existing strategies, but could be a valuable complement for those who face barriers with other approaches,” he added.
The potential of this technique also includes improving general well-being. Researchers hope that by facilitating low-intensity physical activities, such as walking or swimming, patients will feel more motivated to adopt an active lifestyle. Additionally, the long-term cardiovascular and metabolic benefits could reduce complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease or kidney damage.
Although heat therapy is still in the early stages of research, this study opens the door to new possibilities in the management of type 2 diabetes. The researchers are confident that future studies with larger groups of participants can delve deeper into the mechanisms and benefits. potentials of this innovative technique. If the results are confirmed, hot tubs could become an accessible and effective tool to improve the health of millions of people living with this condition.
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