Acute Sauna Session and Glucose Control
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Infrared sauna session, Resting condition.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Obesity & Overweight. Basic parameters: 30 years — 55 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Canada
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
The Effects of an Acute Sauna Session on Glucose Control in Individuals at Risk for Metabolic Impairments
Overview
The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effect of a single 40-minute sauna session on glucose control in individuals at risk for metabolic impairments. Research Questions: * Can a single sauna session completed before a meal reduce the post-meal blood glucose response? * Can a single sauna session improve 24-hour glucose control? Study Design: Participants will complete two lab visits: one involving a sauna session and one placebo visit (resting condition). Researchers will compare the effects on glucose control using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). What Participants Will Do: Attend a sauna familiarization session Have a CGM sensor placed on the upper arm Visit the lab twice (once for sauna, once for placebo) Consume three standardized meals at home after each session
Detailed description
At least 72 hours prior to the first trial, participants will complete a familiarization session consisting of two 20-minute infrared sauna exposures. The study employs a randomized crossover design, with each participant completing both experimental conditions-infrared sauna (two 20-minute sessions at 175°F / 79°C, separated by a 5-minute break) and seated rest (two 20-minute periods of quiet sitting, separated by a 5-minute break)-separated by at least 72 hours. On each trial day, participants will arrive at the laboratory at 7:50 a.m. after an overnight fast from 8:00 p.m., with water permitted throughout. Participants will wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) during both trial days. Baseline measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and oral body temperature will be recorded, and food logs reviewed. Following the condition session, a sedentary recovery period will occur until 9:45 a.m., with repeated physiological measurements. Final measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and oral body temperature will be collected prior to a standardized breakfast provided from 9:45 to 10:10 a.m. Participants will depart thereafter by car or public transportation and remain sedentary for the remainder of the day. Meals for the rest of the day, i.e., breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a bedtime snack, will be provided and identical across trial days. Participants will fast again from 9:00 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. the following morning.
Interventions
- Other Infrared sauna session
Infrared sauna session (approximately 165°F; two 20-minute sessions separated by a 5-minute rest outside the sauna) - Other Resting condition
Seated resting session (45 minutes outside the sauna)
Primary outcome measures
- Incremental 2-hour postprandial glucose area under the curve (Breakfast) [Time frame: 2 hours]
Secondary outcome measures (11)
- 2-hour postprandial glucose area under the curve (Breakfast) [Time frame: 2 hours]
- Incremental 2-hour postprandial glucose area under the curve (Lunch) [Time frame: 2 hours]
- Incremental 2-hour postprandial glucose area under the curve (Dinner) [Time frame: 2 hours]
- Incremental 2-hour postprandial glucose area under the curve (Bedtime snack) [Time frame: 2 hours]
- Average incremental 2-hour postprandial glucose area under the curve (4 meals) [Time frame: 2 hours]
- Time below range [Time frame: 24 hours]
- Time above range [Time frame: 24 hours]
- Time in range [Time frame: 24 hours]
- Session-induced delta glucose [Time frame: 45 minutes]
- Fasting glucose [Time frame: 15 minutes]
- Daily mean glucose [Time frame: 24 hours]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Are 30-55 years old
Have a body mass index of ≥ 27 kg/m2
Have a waist size >102 cm (men) or >88 cm (women)
Have access to transportation for the 2 experimental visits (e.g., car, public transit, or drop-off).
Are cleared for participation based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+).
Exclusion criteria
Take medications that affect blood sugar
Exercise intensely 2+ times/week
Have diabetes, heart issues, low blood sugar or pressure
Are pregnant
Regularly use saunas or other heat therapy 1+ times/week
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Single group
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
Study locations
Canada · 1 center
- University of Prince Edward Island — Charlottetown
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07520929 · UPrinceEdwardIsland