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

NCT ID NCT05576025

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Maastricht University, Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences

    Maastricht, Limburg, 6200MD, Netherlands