Exercise has been proven to improve the health of those suffering from type one and two diabetes. In general, improved circulation and weight loss have led to improvements. There have been studies conducted that show that immersion in a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub can lead to similar benefits.
How can a hot tub help people suffering from diabetes?
A study performed at the McKee Medical Centre in Colorado and published in the New England Journal of Medicine describes the improvements in blood sugar levels and in weight over three weeks of hydrotherapy: “After 10 days, one patient reduced his dose of insulin by 18 percent to prevent hypoglycemic reactions. During the three-week period, the patients’ weight decreased by a mean of 1.7±2.7 kg. Their mean fasting plasma glucose level decreased from 182±37 mg per deciliter to 159±42 mg per deciliter, and their mean glycosylated hemoglobin levels decreased from 11.3±3.1 percent to 10.3±2.6 percent.”
Prolonged hydrotherapy and immersion treatment caused participants to lose weight, their needed insulin dose decreased, and their overall blood sugar levels were lowered and regulated.
What is the science behind these results?
A later article published through the National Center for Biotechnology Information explains the successful findings: “since hot tub therapy can increase both flows to skeletal muscle, it has been recommended for the patients with type 2 diabetes who are unable to exercise.” In other words, the effects of the Jacuzzi® Hot Tub are similar to that of exercise in increasing blood flow and lowering blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes.
Since warm water therapy in a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub can help lower blood sugar levels, this can potentially help in reducing the dosage of insulin needed and oral medications required. In conjunction with medication, warm water therapy can lead to an overall healthier lifestyle for many diabetes sufferers.
