Why Researchers Say Natural Light Is Important For Diabetes Prevention & Management

Over 37 million adults in the U.S. are living with diabetes, and that number is only expected to grow, making preventive approaches to managing blood sugar paramount for all of us.

For this study, researchers wanted to look at the connection between natural light, the circadian rhythm, and metabolic function. To do so, they conducted a small study of older participants with Type 2 diabetes (average age was 70 years old), in which participants stayed in a research facility where light exposure, meals, and activity patterns were controlled.

For part of the study, they were exposed to artificial LED lighting, and in the other, natural daylight. In both lighting settings, the researchers looked at things like blood sugar levels, insulin production, body temperature, respiratory exchange ratio (which reveals whether fat or carbs are being used for energy), and more.

And based on the findings, it would appear that natural light reigns supreme when it comes to preventing diabetes. Namely, blood glucose levels were within the normal range for longer on days spent with natural light, compared to artificial lighting. Further, natural light saw a lower respiratory exchange rate in participants, meaning it was easier for the participants to burn carbs and fat for energy.

Of course, considering natural light is one of the best things you can get to regulate your circadian rhythm, the authors also note that the genes that control circadian rhythm were more active in natural light conditions than artificial ones.

According to study co-author and Ph.D. candidate Ivo Habets, these findings suggest that exposure to natural light is not only beneficial to your metabolic health but could even help with the treatment and prevention of Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.

While the researchers note that more research is needed to figure out just how much natural light we need to compensate for all the time spent in artificial lighting, opening up the blinds—or better, getting outside—is a pretty simple ask.