Researchers determined that even passive presence in daylight stabilizes blood sugar levels.
Scientists found that natural illumination, even filtering through a window, benefits glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In a study published on MedicalXpress, 13 participants with this condition spent 4.5 days each in an office environment—first under bright daylight near a window, then with curtains drawn and artificial lighting. Diet, physical activity, and medication intake remained constant.
Although average blood sugar levels barely differed, participants spent significantly more time within the healthy glucose range when exposed to daylight. Moreover, their bodies more readily utilized fats instead of carbohydrates for energy—a metabolic shift lessening the strain on the pancreas.
Analysis of muscle cells revealed that the tissues’ biological clocks synchronize better with the time of day under natural light, which improves nutrient responsiveness.
The investigators note that even brief exposure near a window can be a simple yet potent supplement to standard therapy for type 2 diabetes, aiding in stabilizing metabolism and preserving circadian rhythms.
About the Author
