Shiver your way to better blood sugar? new study tests cold therapy for diabetes

NCT ID NCT05576025

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Maastricht University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether shivering from cold exposure can improve 24-hour blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Twenty-four participants underwent two cold sessions at different shivering intensities. The goal was to see if muscle activation from shivering helps the body use glucose better. It is a small, early-stage study, so results are not yet conclusive.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: cold exposure (shivering at different intensities)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to help manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study (24 people) looking at short-term effects only. The results may not lead to a practical treatment, and cold exposure may be uncomfortable or risky for some.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

glucose intolerance prediabetes syndrome type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PRE-DIABETES TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Maastricht University, Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences

Maastricht, Limburg, 6200MD, Netherlands

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