How Walk-In Tubs Can Help People With Diabetes

People living with diabetes are often faced with difficult and sometimes dangerous complications that come with high blood sugar levels and poorer circulation. From fatigue and increased blood pressure to kidney problems, cramps and swelling, the many symptoms of diabetes can interfere with comfortable daily living.

Along with doctor-prescribed treatments and medications, one of the safest ways people with diabetes can improve symptoms is to take regular, warm baths in a walk-in tub. Warm baths can help increase circulation, regulate blood sugar, improve heart health and relieve muscle fatigue—all as part of a wellness routine that includes healthy eating, proper hydration and stretching exercises.

Please note that it is important always to follow the advice of your primary care physician when treating diabetes.

Blood Sugar Levels

Walk-in tubs can provide invaluable support as part of your overall wellness and plan for diabetes management.

Warm water immersion for 30 minutes per day can reduce blood sugar levels by roughly 10 to 13% for people with type 2 diabetes, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. The hot water burns calories and increases blood flow, helping to reduce your body’s blood sugar spikes and resistance to insulin.

Specific benefits for individuals with diabetes will vary depending on water temperature, immersion time and overall health. It’s important to stay hydrated before and after you bathe, as the warm water can dehydrate you, ​​causing an increase in blood sugar levels.

Reducing Chances of Infection

When blood sugar levels are too high in someone with diabetes, light brown and scaly skin patches known as dermopathy can appear. These are prone to infections and can be difficult to treat.

One of the last things someone with diabetes needs to think about when they’re bathing to ease their pain is whether the tub and water are clean. Each Safe Step Walk-In Tub has a “Safe Water” cleaning system that maintains water purity and a mold-resistant sanitary gel coat to reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.

Cardiovascular Health

Soaking in a warm bath also helps improve your heart health and cardiovascular function. The heat from the water improves circulation by dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. The heat also improves how blood flows through arteries and veins—called hemodynamic function—helping your heart pump blood to organs more effectively.

According to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Heart in 2020, daily warm or hot baths can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and even decrease the likelihood of a stroke by 26%. Keep in mind that while warm baths provide many cardiovascular benefits, for individuals with diabetes, following prescribed medical treatments is essential to staying healthy.

Increasing Blood Flow & Circulation

Safe Step Walk-In Tubs contain a Dual Hydrotherapy Massage System, which combines whirlpool technology with air massage. Along with the benefits of a hot bath, hydrotherapy targets every area of the body to improve circulation while providing deep muscle relaxation.

Hydrotherapy is especially therapeutic for individuals with type 2 diabetes who are unable to exercise regularly. With better circulation, your body can more easily balance blood glucose levels.

Fatigue & Pain Management

Muscular and psychological fatigue are common side effects of living with diabetes and fluctuating blood glucose levels. When blood sugar is too low or high, it’s harder for your body’s cells to convert sugar to energy.

Walk-in tubs can offer a soothing, restorative solution to pain management while helping you unwind. As you soak, the heat from the bath relaxes muscles, decreasing inflammation and reducing pressure on joints for improved mobility. The hydrotherapy massage jets found in many walk-in tubs further target sore areas, relieving tension deep in muscles that are otherwise difficult to relax.

If you are shopping for a walk-in tub, look for additional features like essential oil diffusers and color-changing lights. Calming aromatherapy helps reduce fatigue and stress, while the power of chromotherapy harmonizes your senses.

Trust the Safe Step Difference

Regardless of your age or mobility challenges, a safe, stress-free bathing experience is within your reach. With a wide range of features designed for your therapy, safety and comfort, Safe Step Walk-In Tubs and Showers provide greater independence and symptom relief for individuals with diabetes.

For more information about our walk-in tubs, read about the Safe Step difference and hear our customer success stories.