Acute mild cold exposure with shivering reduces 24 h glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes but not prediabetes.
DiabetologiaJul 20, 2026 (epub)
Dzhansel Hashim, Johanna A Jörgensen, Tineke van de Weijer et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of acute mild cold exposure on glucose homeostasis in individuals with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Conducted in the Netherlands, the study found that mild cold exposure significantly reduced mean 24-hour glucose levels by -0.6 ± 0.5 mmol/l in the type 2 diabetes group, while no changes were observed in the prediabetes group.
Key findings
- Mild cold exposure reduced mean 24 h glucose levels in type 2 diabetes by -0.6 ± 0.5 mmol/l (p=0.003).
- Fasting glucose levels decreased by -0.6 ± 0.8 mmol/l in type 2 diabetes (p=0.019).
- Time in normal glucose range increased by +8.8 ± 10.3% in type 2 diabetes (p=0.013).
- Moderate cold exposure did not significantly affect glucose outcomes in type 2 diabetes.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that acute mild cold exposure may serve as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, highlighting the need for further research in this area.