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Heat Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes
Sponsor: Purdue University
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.
Official title: Home-based Heat Therapy in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: a Pilot Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
55 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
24
Start Date
2024-09-03
Completion Date
2025-07-31
Last Updated
2024-09-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Heat therapy
Participants will be provided with a heat therapy system comprising a controller unit with a water pump and air pump, a portable heater, and leg sleeves featuring inner-layer water-circulating pads and an outer layer of inflatable bladders. The system is engineered to facilitate effective heat transfer through gentle pneumatic inflation, accommodating various limb dimensions. The heater will be set to warm the water to 42°C. Participants will be instructed to administer the therapy for 90 minutes daily in a seated or supine position.
Sham
Participants will be provided with a heat therapy system comprising a controller unit with a water pump and air pump, a portable heater, and leg sleeves featuring inner-layer water-circulating pads and an outer layer of inflatable bladders. The system is engineered to facilitate effective heat transfer through gentle pneumatic inflation, accommodating various limb dimensions. The heater will warm the water to 33°C. Participants will be instructed to administer the therapy for 90 minutes daily in a seated or supine position.
Locations (1)
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana, United States