What steps can we take to prevent diabetes besides what we eat? And how can you better handle it if you already have it? The number of adults with diabetes in the United States is currently over 37 million and is predicted to rise; it is imperative that we all take preventative measures to manage our blood sugar.
Here’s what you should know about new research! It was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting. The study: the potential impact of natural light.
The Relationship between Metabolic Processes and Circadian Rhythm
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between circadian rhythm, natural light, and metabolic function. To do this, they carried out a small trial including older adults with Type 2 diabetes with an average age of 70 years old. The participants were housed in a research facility with controlled light exposure, meal timing, and activity levels.
They were exposed to artificial LED illumination for a portion of the study and to natural light in the daytime for the remaining portion. The researchers measured the following:
- Blood sugar levels, insulin production
- Body temperature
- Respiratory exchange ratio, which indicates whether fat or carbohydrates are being used for energy
- Other parameters in both lighting conditions
The results seem to indicate that the best light source for avoiding diabetes is natural light. To be more precise, days with natural light had blood glucose levels that were within the normal range. This indicator was observed for longer than days with artificial illumination.
In addition, subjects exposed to natural light had a decreased respiratory exchange rate. This made it simpler for them to burn fat and carbohydrates for energy.
The scientists also point out that the genes that control circadian rhythm were more active in natural light circumstances than in artificial light. This makes sense given that natural light is one of the best things you can receive to regulate your circadian rhythm.
The respiratory exchange ratio was lower in the daylight intervention than it was in the artificial light intervention. This suggested that exposure to natural light facilitated the participants’ transition from using carbohydrates as an energy source to fat.
![The Power of Natural Light in Preventing and Managing Diabetes](https://i0.wp.com/jasminefeliciano.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Power-of-Natural-Light-in-Preventing-and-Managing-Diabetes-pin.png?resize=683%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1)
What Can You Do?
According to these results, being around natural light may potentially aid in the treatment or prevention of Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases in addition to being good for your overall metabolic health.
Related post: 10 Smart Ways to Boost Your Metabolism
How much natural light you get has an impact on your metabolism. Your metabolism and your ability to prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes will be affected if you spend most of your working hours in an office with little or no exposure to natural light. Thus, try to get as much light as you can, and if you can, spend as much time outside.
To Wrap Things Up
It’s an easy task to open the curtains or, better yet, go outside. However, the researchers point out that additional research is required to determine just how much natural light we need to make up for all the time spent in artificial lighting. Not only does it aid in maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, but this research suggests that it may also help prevent and treat Type 2 diabetes.
Absolutely loved this post. I make it a point to get my 2 kids in the sun everyday ๐
Awesome Mom! Iโm sure they love it as well ๐๐ thank you for reading!
I had no idea the relationship natural light and diabetes had. Such an interesting reading and I will be reading more about this.
Absolutely! ๐ If you would like to research more, hereโs the official journal from the EASD: https://diabetologia-journal.org
This was a very interesting post. Natural light is good for so many things, it helps me when I have headaches. I never knew it helps with managing diabetes. Thanks for sharing!
Youโre most welcome! Glad it offer the insight! ๐
That’s very interesting! I have Type 2 Diabetes and wasn’t aware of this information. Though I already spend alot of time outdoors! Great info!
Youโre most welcome! Iโm glad it offer a beneficial insight! ๐
This is eye-opening! Thanks for sharing. I appreciate this.
Youโre most welcome! ๐๐
This was great. I never knew the effects of the sun could benefit someone with diabetes. We need water and sun to grow healthy and strong. The Creator was onto something when He gave us sunlight.
Exactly! It was all intricately and divinely designed ๐
So interesting!! The last few days have finally been sunny where I live, and it’s definitely boosted my mood. I didn’t even know the connection between diabetes and light!!
Aw, that so awesome! ๐ Iโm glad the sun made its appearance and uplifted your mood! Thank you for stopping by to read!
This is so fascinating! I need to make more of an effort to get sunlight in the winter (which can be tricky here in Canada!) <3
Totally understandable! I’ve experienced the long, dark winters back home in New York and it was tricky. Perhaps a sun lamp that mimics sunlight can be helpful. I shared a post back in October where I briefly discussed and recommended a light box by experts, if you’re interested, here’s the link๐: https://jasminefeliciano.com/overcoming-winter-blues-6-tips-for-brighter-days-ahead/
I had no idea the relationship natural light and diabetes had, this is very interesting.
Glad it was an interesting read ๐ thank you for stopping by to read!
Great information. Thank you for sharing. Going outside within the first 30 minutes of waking up is something I practice. It is a little tougher in the winter months but I do believe that natural sunlight is so important.
Youโre most welcome! Thatโs incredible! I practice the same approach as well every morning and itโs so rejuvenating. Thank you for reading! ๐
Very informing.
Thank you and thank you for reading!
This post was fascinating! The more we learn about the benefits of nature the better we will all be as a society. Thanks for writing this post! I enjoy blogs that are informative! โค๏ธ
Totally agree and thank you so much! Iโm glad it was both informative and beneficial! ๐
Wow, I never realized the connection between natural light and managing diabetes! Thanks for sharing this insightful post, Jasmine! ๐๐
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful! Thank you for reading, Ambra ๐