Sunlight, a daily natural phenomenon, might have more to offer than just a source of Vitamin D.
Recent research unveiled at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Hamburg suggests that it can be a significant contributor to managing and preventing type 2 diabetes.
This article simplifies the scientific findings and explains the benefits of being exposed to natural light, especially for individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes.
How Sunlight Benefits Our Body
Our bodies have an internal clock, known as the circadian clock, which helps in managing various bodily functions according to the time of the day.
In simpler terms, it lets our body know when to sleep, wake up, eat, etc. Sunlight helps in setting this internal clock accurately, which is crucial for our overall well-being.
However, many people spend most of their daytime indoors, under artificial lighting, causing a misalignment in our internal clocks.
This mismatch is associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
It has been shown that exposure to natural light can help regulate blood sugar levels and make it easier for individuals with type 2 diabetes to manage their condition.
The Study and Its Findings
Ivo Habets from Maastricht University, along with his team, carried out an extensive study involving 13 participants, all diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
They were exposed to both natural and artificial light under strictly controlled conditions, and various aspects such as blood sugar levels, energy usage, and gene activity related to the circadian clock were monitored.
During the study, participants were exposed to natural light and artificial light in separate sessions with a considerable gap in between.
Blood sugar levels were observed continuously, and various tests were performed to assess other metabolic aspects.
The study revealed that participants had blood glucose levels within the normal range for a longer period when exposed to natural daylight compared to artificial light.
The ability to switch energy sources, from carbohydrate to fat, was also easier under natural light. Furthermore, genes crucial for controlling circadian rhythms were more active during exposure to natural light.
Implications for Type 2 Diabetes
The findings are particularly noteworthy for individuals dealing with type 2 diabetes.
Better blood sugar control observed during exposure to natural light indicates that incorporating natural daylight into daily life could help in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes and other related metabolic conditions like obesity.
For people working in environments with minimal exposure to natural light, this study highlights the importance of spending time outdoors to mitigate the impact on metabolism and manage or reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
However, Ivo Habets emphasizes the need for more research to understand to what extent artificial light affects metabolism and to determine the optimal amount of time one should spend in natural light or outdoors to counteract the effects of constant exposure to artificial lighting.
Conclusion
Sunlight, often taken for granted, could play a pivotal role in maintaining our health, especially for those grappling with metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
While this research sheds light on the positive impacts of natural daylight on our body, it also serves as a reminder for us to step out more often and embrace the sunlight, aligning our internal clocks with the natural world around us.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about new way to achieve type 2 diabetes remission, and one avocado a day keeps diabetes at bay.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about 5 dangerous signs you have diabetes-related eye disease, and results showing why pomegranate is super fruit for people with diabetes.
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