Do you know red light therapy significantly improves blood sugar levels?

The researchers discovered that exposing cells to 670 nm red light stimulated energy production in mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses, leading to increased glucose consumption. Specifically, it resulted in a 27.7% decrease in blood glucose levels after glucose intake and a 7.5% reduction in maximum glucose spikes.

Although the study focused on healthy individuals, the non-invasive, non-pharmacological method holds promise for managing diabetes post-meals by minimizing harmful blood glucose fluctuations that contribute to aging.

Additionally, the study underscores the potential long-term health implications of prolonged exposure to blue light, which can disrupt blood sugar regulation. With LED lighting prevalent in modern environments emitting primarily blue light, the authors suggest this could pose a public health concern. The findings were published in the Journal of Biophotonics.

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular energy production by utilizing oxygen and glucose to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Prior research has shown that light in the wavelength range of 650-900 nm, including red light, can boost mitochondrial ATP production, leading to decreased blood glucose levels and improved health and longevity in animals.

Dr. Michael Powner, Senior Lecturer in Neurobiology at the School of Health and Psychological Sciences at City, and Professor Glen Jeffery, Professor of Neuroscience at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, note that this enhanced ATP production can trigger signaling changes throughout the body.

They propose that it might be responsible for the abscopal effect, where targeted irradiation of a primary tumor causes shrinkage of secondary tumors elsewhere in the body. Previous studies have shown that selectively shining 670 nm light on the backs of mice improves ATP levels and alleviates symptoms in models of Parkinson’s disease and diabetic retinopathy.

To investigate the effects of 670 nm red light on blood glucose, the researchers recruited 30 healthy participants, randomized into two groups: 15 in the 670 nm red light group and 15 in the placebo (no light) group, all without metabolic conditions or medication.

Participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, recording blood glucose levels every 15 minutes over two hours. Those exposed to red light 45 minutes before consuming glucose exhibited reduced peak blood glucose levels and overall blood glucose during the test.