Turning the heating down just 1°C tackles type 2 diabetes - and is just as good as medication

  • Exposure to temperatures not in our 'comfort zone' increases insulin sensitivity
  • It also boosts metabolism, which tackles obesity - a known type 2 diabetes cause
  • Researchers recommend buildings fluctuate temperatures to improve our health
  • Less heating may also benefit the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions

By Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Turning the heating down just 1°C eases type 2 diabetes as well as any medication, new research reveals. 

Exposure to mildly cold or warm environments increases our metabolism and uses up energy.

This helps to boost insulin sensitivity and may even tackle obesity - a known risk for type 2 diabetes.

An estimated 4.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes in the UK. Type 2 makes up around 90 per cent of cases.  

Turning the heating down just 1°C eases diabetes as well as any medication, research shows

Turning the heating down just 1°C eases diabetes as well as any medication, research shows

WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES? 

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or respond to the hormone.

It is linked to being overweight or obese. 

Symptoms occur as the body tries to rid excess insulin in the blood. 

These include extreme thirst, weight loss, tiredness and urinating frequently.

Medication may be required to normalise blood glucose levels.

The condition can be prevented by eating well, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.

Source: NHS Choices 

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Scientists at Maastricht University, The Netherlands, exposed type 2 diabetes patients to cold temperatures at irregular intervals.

After 10 days, their insulin sensitivity increased by more than 40 per cent. 

According to the researchers, these findings are comparable to the best diabetes medications available.  

The researchers recommend homes and offices should incorporate 'drifting' temperatures.

Fluctuating building temperatures should be used alongside diet and exercise to help manage type 2 diabetes, they said.

Study author Professor Wouter van Marken Lichtenbel, said: 'It has previously been assumed that stable fixed indoor temperatures would satisfy comfort and health in most people.

'However, this research indicates that mild cold and variable temperatures may have a positive effect on our health and at the same time are acceptable or even may create pleasure.'

According to the paper, published in the journal Building Research & Information, the standard 'comfort zone' of buildings is 21-22°C.

Richard Lorch, editor in chief of the journal, said: 'This groundbreaking research provides a new approach to how we think about heating and cooling our buildings.

'The health benefits from a short exposure to a more varied temperature range will redefine our expectations on thermal comfort. 

An estimated 4.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, 90% have type 2

An estimated 4.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, 90% have type 2

'In turn, this will change our practices for heating and cooling our buildings.'

Not only could turning the temperature down benefit our health, but it may also have a significant impact on our planet.

According to Mr Lorch, buildings account for up to 40 per cent of energy demand in developed countries and make up a 'significant proportion' of carbon dioxide emissions.

Reducing the heating of buildings may lower greenhouse gas emissions.

This comes after researchers from King's College London found obese children are four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

The rate of children developing the condition in Britain is more than five time higher than it was 20 years ago.  

Diabetes

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