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Sunlight Boosts Diabetes Health
9 Jan
Summary
- Natural light exposure helps type 2 diabetes patients achieve better glycaemic control.
- Study participants in natural light had normal blood glucose levels for more hours.
- Daylight improves melatonin levels and fat oxidative metabolism in diabetics.
Exposure to natural daylight offers substantial benefits for metabolic health, particularly aiding individuals with type 2 diabetes in achieving superior glycaemic control. Research conducted by the University of Geneva and Maastricht University demonstrated that participants immersed in natural light spent more time within the normal range for blood glucose levels, alongside reduced fluctuations.
Beyond blood sugar regulation, the study observed a slight increase in melatonin levels during the evening and an improvement in fat oxidative metabolism among those exposed to natural light. These findings, published in Cell Metabolism, mark the first concrete evidence linking natural light exposure to positive metabolic outcomes in diabetic patients.
The study involved 13 volunteers aged 65 and over, all diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They underwent sessions in controlled environments, alternating between natural and artificial light. Analysis of blood and muscle samples confirmed that natural light influences internal body clocks and metabolism, potentially explaining the improved blood sugar regulation and better synchronization between the brain's central clock and organ-specific clocks.
