Lifestyle

Heat therapy (sauna / hot bath)

Lifestyle.

In practice

It depends on the case; there is no single guideline.

Precautions

Caution in heart disease or pregnancy; stay hydrated

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Blood sugar control (type 2 diabetes)

improves Low-moderate review (A)

15 min

Heat therapy (sauna 80-100 °C or bath at 40 °C, 15 min, 3 times/week) is associated with better glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: up to −1% HbA1c, lower fasting glucose, weight and adiposity. It is a review of mostly small studies; mechanism via nitric oxide and heat shock proteins.

View the study (review) →

In depth

Lifestyle · Highest evidence: Low-moderate · 1 finding

⚠️ caution in heart disease or pregnancy; stay hydrated

Findings

Blood sugar control (type 2 diabetes) — improves (Low-moderate, review). Heat therapy (sauna at 80-100 °C or a bath at 40 °C, 15 min, 3 times/week) is associated with better glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: up to −1% HbA1c, lower fasting glucose, weight, and adiposity. It is a review of mostly small studies; the mechanism is via nitric oxide and heat shock proteins. 26049635

Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.