Actively Recruiting
The Effects of an Acute Sauna Session on Glucose Control in Individuals at Risk for Metabolic Impairments
Led by University of Prince Edward Island · Updated on 2026-04-09
15
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Prince Edward Island
Lead Sponsor
D
DexCom, Inc.
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This trial studies the effects of a single 40-minute infrared sauna session on blood sugar control in adults aged 30 to 55 who are at risk for metabolic problems like obesity. Researchers want to see if using a sauna before a meal can lower blood sugar spikes after eating and improve overall glucose control throughout the day. The study uses a randomized crossover design, comparing sauna sessions to resting sessions. Participants will first complete a sauna familiarization with two 20-minute infrared sauna exposures at 175°F (79°C). Then, they will undergo two lab visits: one involving two 20-minute sauna sessions separated by a 5-minute break, and one with two 20-minute seated resting periods, also separated by a 5-minute break. Visits are spaced at least 72 hours apart. After each session, participants will consume standardized meals at home and wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track blood sugar. During visits, participants fast overnight and have blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature measured before and after the sessions. Meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a bedtime snack are provided and kept consistent across visits. Researchers will monitor glucose responses after meals and over 24 hours, along with other physiological measures. The trial ends after these assessments, with participation lasting a few weeks including familiarization and two experimental visits.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Acute Sauna Session and Glucose Control
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Are between 30 and 55 years old
- Have a body mass index of 27 kg/m2 or higher
- Have a waist size greater than 102 cm for men or greater than 88 cm for women
- Have access to transportation for the two experimental visits
- Are cleared for participation based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+)
You will not qualify if you...
- Take medications that affect blood sugar
- Exercise intensely two or more times per week
- Have diabetes, heart issues, low blood sugar or low blood pressure
- Are pregnant
- Regularly use saunas or other heat therapy one or more times per week
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - At least 72 hours before the first trial day
Participants complete two 20-minute infrared sauna exposures to become familiar with the procedures before the experimental visits.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Each trial day lasts approximately from 7:50 a.m. to around 10:10 a.m., with at least 72 hours between sessions
Participants undergo two experimental conditions in a randomized crossover design: infrared sauna sessions and seated rest sessions, each separated by at least 72 hours.
2 visits (in-person), each including baseline measurements, the assigned session, recovery, and post-session assessments
Duration - 24 hours per trial day
Participants wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) during both trial days and remain sedentary with provided meals for the remainder of each trial day.
CGM worn continuously during each trial day
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 4P3
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Etienne Myette-Cote, PhD
R
Romina Babazadeh, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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