Do Far-infrared Saunas Have Cardiovascular Benefits in People with Type 2 Diabetes?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Far-infrared saunas are beneficial for the treatment of congestive heart failure, hypertension and obesity. As such, they may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular (CV) health in those with type 2 diabetes. Our objective is to examine whether or not there are quantitative CV benefits from infrared sauna use. METHODS The intervention consisted of 20-minute, thriceweekly infrared sauna sessions, over a period of 3 months. The following CV risk factors were measured: weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure (BPtru), glycated hemoglobin (A1C), fasting blood glucose and cholesterol profile. Baseline study parameters were measured within one week prior to commencing sauna sessions. Post-intervention measurements were collected between 1 and 3 days after the last sauna session. RESULTS Systolic blood pressure decreased by 6.4 mm Hg (124±12 vs. 118±15 mm Hg, 95% CI 0.01-12.71 p=0.05), and there was a trend toward decreased waist circumference (115.0±13.4 vs. 112.7±11.9 cm, 95% CI 0.4-5.1 p=0.10). All other measurements did not change significantly. There were no adverse events. Study completion rate was 75%. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that infrared sauna use may be beneficial for lowering blood pressure and waist circumference. Subject adherence to infrared sauna use is greater than adherence to other lifestyle interventions. The combination of favourable compliance/adherence, as well as effectiveness in improving blood pressure and possibly waist circumference, makes infrared sauna therapy an attractive lifestyle option.