Ancient societies, from the Romans to the Egyptians, have long regarded hydrotherapy as a beneficial means to treating and relieving ailments. In modern day, hydrotherapy is often used in sports medicine and even physical therapy. While soaking in a hot tub commonly relaxes and relieves aches and pains, it may also benefit your Type 2 diabetes.
A study at McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colorado, which was published in The New England Journal of Medicine, suggests hot tubs may have positive effects on those who have Type 2 diabetes. In the study, eight diabetics soaked in a hot tub for 30 minutes, six days a week for three weeks. As a result, many of the diabetic participants noticed positive effects, such as weight loss, reduced blood sugar levels, and improved sleep.
Benefits
Over the course of the study, the participants’ average blood glucose levels were reduced. In fact, one participant even lowered his daily insulin dosage by 18 percent. The participants also lost an average of 3.75 pounds. Though the results varied, these are valuable benefits for those who are coping with Type 2 diabetes.
The participants in the study also noted they experienced improved sleep and a better sense of well-being. While these findings are not necessarily tangible, the researchers suggested the relaxation benefits of hydrotherapy could have caused these improvements. Because the participants were taking 30 minutes out of the day to unwind and relax, which they weren’t doing otherwise, this period of relaxation may have been responsible for their improved sleep and sense of well-being.
Caution
Before soaking in a hot tub though, speak with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you. If you have diabetes and suffer from nerve damage, it is especially important to receive doctor’s approval prior to using a spa. Additionally, because relaxing in a tub can lower blood pressure, always take caution when exiting it.
While it may take additional studies to further solidify these results, upon your doctor’s approval, go ahead and soak, relax, and unwind.
