Heat Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes

Summary

This study aims to test whether home-based heat therapy (HT) can improve the health of older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D is common in older adults and can lead to severe issues such as heart disease, disability, and early death. While regular exercise is known to help manage T2D, many people with the condition find it difficult to stay active. This study explores HT as a simple, non-invasive treatment that may offer similar benefits. Participants will wear special leg sleeves that deliver heat to their legs for 90 minutes each day at home over 12 weeks. The study\'s primary goal is to assess whether HT treatment at home is feasible and safe to use. We hypotesize that people with diabetes who receive heat therapy will have better blood sugar control, stronger legs, less body fat, and improved ability to walk, along with lower blood pressure. If successful, HT could offer a new option for people with T2D to manage their condition, especially for those who struggle with regular exercise. This research could lead to larger studies and help provide a practical way to improve health and quality of life for older adults with diabetes.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age 55 and older
2. Type 2 Diabetes (documented by chart review, presence of treatment for type 2 Diabetes, fasting plasma glucose equal or greater than 126 mg/dL or A1C equal or greater than 6.5%).

Exclusion Criteria:

(1) HbA1c \<6.5% or \>9.0%, (2) body mass index \> 40 kg/m2, (3) insulin-dependent Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, (4) incident cardiovascular events in the last year (heart attack, stroke), (5) symptomatic coronary artery disease and/or heart failure, (6) uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure \>150 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure \>110 mmHg), (7) hypotension (resting systolic BP \< 90 mmHg), (8) use of walking aid other than a cane, (9) active cancer, (10) impaired thermal sensation in the legs, (11) unable to fit into water-circulating garments, (12) orthopedic complications that preclude completion of physical function tests, (13) contraindications or inability to undergo a DXA scan, including implants, devices, or other foreign material, and inability to attain correct position and/or remain motionless for the measurement.

Conditions2

Locations1 site

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