
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.
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 problem. 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.

QUESTION
Diabetes is defined best as... See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://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 Diabetes
If 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 what to do when traveling with diabetes. Discover the various symptoms of diabetes, how they put your body at risk, and steps you can take to live better with diabetes.Diabetes: Guide to Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes 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 do about it, and how to prevent it.Diabetes Foot Problems
Learn 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 for proper foot care to help prevent serious complications.Diabetes (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 dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.Diabetes Quiz
Take 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 Treatment: Medication, Diet, and Insulin
The 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.
Type 2 diabetes is first treated with:
- weight reduction,
- a diabetic diet,
- and exercise.
When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugar, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.
Diabetic Neuropathy Quiz
Diabetic neuropathy is serious. Take this quiz to get the facts.Exercises for Diabetes Nerve Pain
Learn how to cope with the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy through pain management exercises. Find relief for diabetic nerve pain without medication.Diabetes Foot Problems
Diabetes 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 blood. Common foot problems for people with diabetes include athlete's foot, fungal infection of nails, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, dry skin, foot ulcers, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.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 water swimming pool. The infection is generally caused by a bacterium called staph or staphylococcus aureus.Insulin Pump for Diabetes
An insulin pump is designed to deliver insulin directly to a patient with diabetes. They are about the size of a standard beeper. The pump is attached to under the skin (usually on the abdomen). The amount of insulin required will depend on lifestyle (exercise, sleep patterns, activity level, and diet).Is It Safe for a Person With Diabetes to Get a Pedicure?
It is safe to get a pedicure at a nail salon only if your diabetes is well-controlled. You should exercise caution and consult your doctor before going to a spa or nail salon.semaglutide
Semaglutide 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 is used to control blood sugar levels when other commonly prescribed medications do not control the sugar levels adequately in type 2 diabetes, but cannot be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes. Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion (dyspepsia), abdominal distension, decrease in appetite, belching (eructation), gas (flatulence), gastritis, gastroenteritis, viral gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallstones (cholelithiasis), headache, fatigue, dizziness, low blood glucose level (hypoglycemia), severe hypoglycemia, diabetic retinopathy, and others. Do not take if breastfeeding.Diabetes Urine Tests
Urine tests for individuals with diabetes is important to check for diabetes-related kidney disease and severe hypoglycemia. With proper monitoring of blood glucose levels, diabetic-kidney disease can be avoided.What Tests Are Done for Diabetes?
Diabetes can cause serious complications if left untreated, which is why timely diagnosis is important. Learn about tests for type II, type I, and gestational diabetes.