Are hot tubs bad for diabetics?
As relaxing as a hot tub can be, people with diabetes need to exercise caution before dipping their toes in the water because hot tubs can lead to serious complications. Learn about the risks and what precautions you should take when using a hot tub if you have diabetes.
What are the risks of using a hot tub if you have diabetes?
Hot tubs pose the following health risks to people with diabetes:
- Peripheral neuropathy: Some people with diabetes suffer peripheral neuropathy, which occurs when nerve damage leads to decreased sensation, especially in the lower extremities (legs and feet). Therefore, there is a risk that they may not realize how high the temperature is, resulting in burns that may be difficult to heal.
- Slow wound healing: People with diabetes also have slow wound healing. If an open wound is exposed to bacteria in a hot tub and becomes infected, it can lead to serious consequences such as loss of the extremity or even death.
- Overheating: Excessive heat can make the heart beat faster, which is dangerous for people with diabetes because heat can interfere with the rate at which the body absorbs insulin. Heat can also cause problems with insulin pump functioning.
What precautions should people with diabetes take before going in a hot tub?
Hot tubs are not always bad for you if you have diabetes. Heat can actually increase blood flow, which allows more nutrient-rich blood to reach your muscles. This can reduce your blood glucose levels in addition to helping you relax.
However, you should lower your risk of health complications by taking a few precautions:
Take care of your feet
Make sure you have no cuts or burns on your feet. Take proper care of your feet by washing them in warm water and consider using foot powder or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture and prevent infection.
Protect your heart health
Excessive heat can make your heart beat faster, which can lead to heart damage if you have any underlying heart problems. Talk to your doctor before using a hot tub.
Even if you don't have any heart issues, it is recommended to leave the hot tub after 20 minutes and avoid using it alone.
Beware of burns
If you have peripheral neuropathy, use a thermometer to check the water temperature before stepping in. Make sure the water temperature is 105 F (40.5 C) or lower. Dip your elbow in first to test the water.
Make sure the tub is clean
The cleaner the tub, the lower the risk of getting infected by harmful microorganisms. Stay out of the water if you have an open wound.
SLIDESHOW
Diabetes: What Raises and Lowers Your Blood Sugar Level? See Slideshowhttps://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2008/may/diabetes-hot-tub-therapy.html
https://diabetesvoice.org/en/living-with-diabetes/extreme-heat-and-diabetes/
Top Why Can't People With Diabetes Go in Hot Tubs Related Articles
Diabetes Tips: Managing and Living With DiabetesIf you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you need to approach life differently. Learn nutrition tips to control blood sugar, ways to manage your insulin, hyperglycemia triggers like stress, and...
bitter melonBitter melon, an edible fruit with many phenolic compound, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and insulin-like peptides, has been traditionally used for treating many conditions including diabetes, cancer,...
Diabetes: Guide to Diabetic Peripheral NeuropathyDiabetes can damage the nerves that help you feel pain, heat, and cold, especially in your feet. Learn about the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the problems it can cause, what you can...
Diabetes Foot ProblemsLearn more about diabetes related foot problems. For people with diabetes, too much glucose in the blood can cause serious foot complications such as nerve damage, infection, and ulcers. Find tips...
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin...
Diabetes QuizTake the Diabetes Quiz and learn the causes, signs, symptoms, and types of this growing epidemic. What does diabetes have to do with obesity and diet? Learn about life as a diabetic.
Diabetes TreatmentThe major goal in treating diabetes is controlling elevated blood sugar without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet....
Diabetic Neuropathy QuizDiabetic neuropathy is serious. Take this quiz to get the facts.
Exercises for Diabetes Nerve PainLearn how to cope with the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy through pain management exercises. Find relief for diabetic nerve pain without medication.- fenugreekFenugreek is an aromatic herb (Trigonella foenum-graecum) that has been traditionally taken as a supplement for many health benefits such as increasing milk production in lactating women, and...
Diabetes Foot ProblemsDiabetes-related foot problems can affect your health with two problems: diabetic neuropathy, where diabetes affects the nerves, and peripheral vascular disease, where diabetes affects the flow of...
How Do People With Diabetes Heal Sores?If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop ulcers that do not heal as quickly as they should. People with diabetes can heal sores with proper wound care and medical treatment.
How Do You Kill Bacteria in a Hot Tub?Hot tub folliculitis, also called jacuzzi folliculitis or spa pool folliculitis, is a skin condition arising within hours to a few days after bathing with warm water in a jacuzzi, spa pool or warm...- insulin degludec and insulin aspartInsulin degludec/insulin aspart is a combination of two types of insulins used to improve glycemic control in adults and children above 12 months of age who have diabetes mellitus type I or II....
Insulin Pump for DiabetesAn insulin pump is a wearable device that delivers insulin without the need for repeated needle injections. The insulin pump allows people with diabetes to control blood sugars with technology that...- insulin regular humanRegular human insulin is a biological product used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Human insulin is a natural hormone secreted by the pancreas. Common side effects of insulin regular human...
- Jardiance (empagliflozin)Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a prescription drug used to manage blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. Jardiance belongs to a drug class called SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter) inhibitors....
- semaglutideSemaglutide is a medication used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and for chronic weight management, along with physical exercise, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle changes. Semaglutide...
- taurineTaurine is a dietary supplement used in the treatment of many conditions including cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and type 2 diabetes. Taurine is also used as a component of energy...
Diabetes Urine TestsDiabetes urine tests can help with the early detection of diabetic kidney disease, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and ketones, which may lead to ketoacidosis.