Diabetes is a disease in which the body has an abnormal production of insulin. Because of this, those who suffer from it have unstable blood sugar levels, which can cause damage to their organs, blood vessels, and nerves. In 2017, Statistics Canada reported that 7.3% of Canadians have been diagnosed with diabetes. That’s roughly 2.3 million people.
Many people who live with diabetes use insulin to regulate their blood sugar levels. They also maintain good health by exercising regularly. But did you know that hydrotherapy can help manage type 2 diabetes as well?
Dr. Philip L. Hooper from McKee Medical centre in Loveland, Colorado, conducted a study on patients with type 2 diabetes. The study asked these patients to soak in a hot tub for 30 minutes per day, 6 days per week, for 3 weeks. What Dr. Hooper found was that the patients’ conditions had improved. They had lost weight and their blood glucose levels had lowered. One patient even found that after 10 days of hydrotherapy, his daily insulin intake dropped by 18%.
The reason behind these benefits is that by partially immersing oneself in warm water one’s body gains the same benefits as if from exercising. These benefits include greater circulation and lower blood pressure. So, using a hot tub to manage type 2 diabetes can “be evaluated as a therapy,” says Dr. Hooper.
Although study’s show the benefits of using a spa for those with type 2 diabetes, always check with a doctor before taking a dip. New York doctor, Dr. Richard Bernstein, warns those with nerve damage to avoid soaking in a warm body of water because there is a risk of burning one’s skin. Additionally, one risks making their skin more susceptible to injury.
Now knowing this, if you live with diabetes and are looking for a new type of therapy, talk to your doctor about getting a hot tub. You can also speak with us here at Valley Pool and Spa where we can tell you more about the health benefits of using a spa. We also have a wide variety of hot tubs specifically made for hydrotherapy so you can find what’s best for you.