Heat Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes

This trial explores whether heat therapy can aid individuals with type 2 diabetes by enhancing fat and sugar metabolism and improving blood vessel health. Participants will use two types of foot baths: one with warm water and one with neutral water. The trial targets individuals who have had type 2 diabetes for at least a year and are on stable medication, excluding those with severe obesity or uncontrolled high blood pressure. The goal is to determine if simple heat treatments can complement current diabetes care. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative diabetes care research.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it requires that your medication has been stable for at least 12 weeks before joining.

Research suggests that heat therapy might be safe for people with type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that heat exposure can help manage blood sugar levels and support heart health. For instance, one study found that after six weeks of regular heat exposure, participants had lower fasting blood sugar and improved hemoglobin A1C, which measures long-term blood sugar levels.

Researchers are excited about home-based heat therapy for type 2 diabetes because it offers a unique, non-invasive approach that could complement or even reduce the need for medication. Unlike standard treatments, which typically involve drugs like metformin and insulin to manage blood sugar levels, this method uses heat to potentially improve insulin sensitivity and circulation. This simple, at-home therapy involves immersing feet in warm water, making it an accessible and low-risk option for patients looking to enhance their diabetes management.

Research has shown that heat therapy might benefit people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). One study found that spending time in heat for six weeks lowered blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1C, key indicators for managing diabetes. Another study noted that heat exposure improved blood vessel function, which is crucial since people with T2DM often face blood vessel issues. Additionally, heat therapy has been linked to better blood sugar control and heart health. This trial will compare two approaches: participants in the heat arm will immerse their feet in a foot bath with water at 42°C, while those in the thermoneutral arm will use water at 36°C. Although more research is needed, these findings suggest that heat therapy could be a helpful lifestyle change for managing T2DM.¹²³⁶⁷