After years of doctors telling diabetics to stay out of hot tubs, it seems that advice is starting to change. Apparently soaking in a hot tub is actually beneficial to people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

In this age of obesity, diabetes has become something of an epidemic. Currently one out of every 10 people over the age of 20 has diabetes and there is now a pressing need for treatment and therapy for these people. Of course diabetics still have to be careful, those with a more advanced condition of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) are at risk of burning themselves as they can’t accurately measure the temperature of the water. But for the majority of sufferers, ‘hot tub therapy’ is beneficial.

One doctor had his diabetic patients sit in a hot tub for 30 minutes, 6 times a week, and after 3 weeks he measured a significant decrease in blood glucose levels. Apparently the increase in body temperature and blood flow provided benefits similar to that of moderate exercise.

Of course medical studies aside, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If you do suffer from diabetes, keep a close eye on your blood glucose levels before getting in a hot tub, confirm that you know exactly what the water temperature is, and make sure there is always someone with you while you’re soaking should you need any kind of assistance.

Tags: blood glucose levels, diabetic patients, diabetics, doctors, hot tub, hot tubs, medical studies, type 2 diabetes, water