Diabetes hot tub therapy

A recent study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that hot tub therapy could help groups of type 2 diabetes patients to lower their blood sugar levels. Other positives included losing weight and improving sleep.
The research team, from the Mckee Medical Center in Colorado, studied a small group of diabetic men and women. Philip Hooper, MD, was reported as commenting: “These results suggest that hot tub therapy should be further evaluated as a therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It may be especially helpful for patients who are unable to exercise .”
The team found that hot tub therapy could give a reduction in insulin requirement, and lower levels of blood glucose . Researchers said that the therapy could be effective because it increases blood flow, as well as for more complex reasons such as heat conditioning and heat shock proteins.
Other diabetes experts expressed concern that hot tubs are not safe for those with diabetes, particularly those with diabetic neuropathy .