Exposure to artificial light increases the risk of diabetes

Glare from a light bulb or smartphone can affect health. A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health journal showed that exposure to light from devices after midnight increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Exposure to artificial light increases the risk of diabetes

The study involved about 85,000 people between the ages of 40 and 69. The singers wore a device that measured day and night light exposure and type 2 diabetes risk for a week.

This study was carried out for 9 years. The volunteers who developed type 2 diabetes were exposed to light between 00:30 and 06:00. Study results do not clearly demonstrate a link between light exposure and diabetes.

Instead, the study identified a degree of dependence between artificial light and the risk of a metabolic disorder that supports an association with diabetes. Among the 10% of participants, those exposed to artificial light at night had a 67% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than the other participants.

Why avoid artificial lights at night?

Factors such as a person’s gender, prediabetes, diet, physical activity, alcohol or tobacco use had no effect on the study.

“Advising people to avoid light at night is a simple and cost-effective recommendation that could reduce the global health burden of type 2 diabetes,” concluded the authors of the study, led by researchers at Monash University in Australia.

Dysfunctions associated with increased risk of metabolic disorders including diabetes

There have been other studies measuring light exposure and insulin resistance, however, those studies did not measure indoor light sources, distance, or duration of exposure. Evidence from human patients and animals indicates that exposure to an artificial light source affects circadian rhythms.

This results in dysfunctions such as impaired glucose tolerance, altered insulin secretion, and weight gain, all of which are associated with increased risk. disturbances Metabolic, including conditions such as type 2 diabetes.