Hot Tub Therapy to Help Control Type 2 Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 15.7 million Americans are diabetic. Tight control of blood glucose (sugar) levels is the only defense against the many problems and side effects that come from diabetes.

Hot Tub Soaking Simulates Beneficial Effects of Exercise

It has long been known that physical exercise is highly recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Because hot tub soaking simulates the beneficial effects of exercise, a study  published in the September 16, 1999 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine gives new hope to the millions who suffer from diabetes.

It was reported hat “hot tub therapy” helped a group of Type 2 diabetics reduce their blood sugar levels and improve sleep patterns. In this independent study led by Dr. Philip L. Hooper at the McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colorado a group of Type 2 diabetes patients were studied for three weeks.

Blood Sugar and Need for Insulin Reduced After Hot Tub Soaking

In the study, the patients were required to soak in a hot tub for thirty minutes a day, six days a week, for the duration of the study. The results were astounding! The patients’ average blood sugar levels were reduced by an average of 13 percent. Hooper also explained that one of the subjects was able to reduce his daily dose of insulin by 18 percent after only ten days of the study.

Dr. Hooper states that hot tubs are especially helpful for patients who are unable to exercise, and recommends that hot tub treatments should be included as regular therapy for patients with type 2  diabetes.