Balneotherapy in Diabetics / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

Usefulness of balneotherapy in diabetics were discussed. Plasma glucose levels in diabetics treated with insulin decreased significantly after thirty minutes exercise under 38°C hot springs pool. There were positive relationships on plasma glucose levels between before and after exercise in hot springs. Lipids metabolism were improved during three months' balneotherapy. The ratio of VLDL·LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol decreased. Basal levels of plasma cyclic AMP decreased slightly and plasma cyclic GMP significantly increased. Intrathecal injection of vitamin B₁₂ (mecobalamin, 2500μg) was apparently effective to reduce the pain on under limb in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy whose subjective symptom could not improved by any medications. The effect of mecobalamin was increased by bathing in hot springs. Usually, balneotherapeutic hospitals have facilities of rehabilitation system in Japan.<br>In conclusion, the balneotherapy by adding physical treatment is very benefit to normalize carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Tranquilizing function of hot springs are effective on psychological disturbance, diabetic autonomic and peripheral neuropathy.