Researchers in the United Kingdom have delved into the effects of red light on blood sugar levels, with findings published in the Journal of Biophotonics on February 20. Their study could pave the way for innovative therapy options for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
The study, led by Dr. Michael Powner, PhD, a senior lecturer in Neurobiology at the University of London, focused on the impact of a specific wavelength of red light on blood sugar. Their results revealed promising outcomes, with just 15 minutes of exposure to this light on bare skin resulting in two notable benefits.
A group of 30 healthy participants, with an average age of 40, were enlisted for the study. Half of them underwent light therapy, while the other half served as the control group. The participants, who had no known metabolic conditions and were not on medication, underwent fasting oral glucose tolerance tests over a 7-day period.
Results showed that those who received the red light therapy experienced a nearly 30% reduction in blood glucose levels compared to baseline readings. Additionally, the therapy aided in controlling blood sugar spikes, leading to a 7.5% reduction in peak blood glucose levels.
While these findings are promising, researchers emphasize the need for further research to validate the results on a larger scale. Dr. Jennifer Cheng, section chief of endocrinology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, highlights the importance of replication studies to ascertain the efficacy of red light therapy for glycemic control.
The specific wavelength used in this study, 670 nm red light, is known to affect cellular metabolism, potentially influencing blood glucose regulation via mitochondria. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain to be fully understood.
Despite the intriguing implications of red light therapy for diabetes management, researchers caution that it is premature to determine its safety and effectiveness. Further investigations are warranted to explore its potential as an adjunct treatment for individuals with diabetes.
This groundbreaking research offers a glimpse into the future of diabetes management, hinting at the possibility of non-invasive, drug-free therapies that harness the power of light to support metabolic health.
Information in this article was sourced from: healthline.com