Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Alternate Immersion in Glucose to Produce Prolonged Hyperglycemia in Zebrafish
Published on: May 5, 2021
Hot water immersion acutely increases postprandial glucose concentrations
Christof A Leicht1,2, Lewis J James1, Jane H B Briscoe1
1School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom.
Hot water immersion (HWI) temporarily impairs glucose control, increasing post-meal blood sugar. This effect is linked to stress hormone release, not gut hormone changes, suggesting HWI may not benefit acute glycemic regulation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Chronic hot water immersion (HWI) is associated with health benefits, including improved fasting blood glucose.
- The acute effects of HWI on glycemic control remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immediate impact of HWI on glucose metabolism and hormonal responses after a glucose challenge.
Main Methods:
- Ten participants underwent a 60-minute hot water immersion (39°C) or a control condition.
- An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered one hour post-immersion.
- Blood glucose, insulin, and key hormone levels were measured throughout the OGTT.
Main Results:
- Hot water immersion (HWI) resulted in a significantly higher glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) during the OGTT compared to the control condition.
- Insulin iAUC did not differ between HWI and control conditions.
- Plasma adrenaline and growth hormone levels significantly increased immediately following HWI, while gut hormone levels showed no significant difference during the OGTT.
Conclusions:
- Acute hot water immersion (HWI) temporarily impairs postprandial glycemic control, leading to higher blood glucose levels during an OGTT.
- This alteration in glucose metabolism is associated with acute increases in stress hormones like adrenaline and growth hormone.
- The findings suggest that the observed changes in glycemic control are not mediated by gut hormones during the OGTT.
More Related Videos
04:54Using a Combination of Indirect Calorimetry, Infrared Thermography, and Blood Glucose Levels to Measure Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis in Humans
Published on: June 2, 2023
08:13Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test OGTT and Insulin Tolerance Test ITT
Published on: January 7, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...