Stimulation of mitochondria, caused by 670 nanometer red light, results in lower blood sugar levels after ingesting glucose.
- Red light of 650 and 900 nm nanometers stimulates energy production in the mitochondria.
- In the study, participants exposed to this light for 15 minutes experienced a 27.7% reduction in blood sugar levels after ingesting glucose.
- Maximum peak glucose was reduced by 7.5%.
Mitochondria regulate metabolism, but sunlight influences its rate. According to previous research, long-wavelength light between approximately 650 and 900 nm (visible to near infrared) increases mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate production. Recently, scientists at University College London (England) claimed that this improvement in adenosine triphosphate production could lead to changes in signaling that are transmitted throughout the body.
15 participants exposed to 670 nanometer red light
To reach this conclusion, they carried out a study, the results of which were published in the journal Journal of Biophotonics. As part of this work, the researchers focused on the impact of 670 nm red light on blood sugar levels. They recruited 30 healthy people. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: 15 adults in the group receiving 670 nm red light and 15 volunteers in the placebo group not exposed to the light. The people had no known metabolic conditions and were not taking medications. Secondly, participants were asked to perform an oral glucose tolerance test and record their blood sugar levels every 15 minutes for the next two hours.
Diabetes: 15 minutes of exposure to red light reduces blood sugar levels after a meal
According to the results, volunteers exposed to red light 45 minutes before ingesting glucose showed a significant drop in blood sugar levels over the two hours. A 15-minute exposure to 670 nm light reduced the degree of blood glucose elevation after glucose ingestion by 27.7%. Maximum peak glucose was reduced by 7.5%. “Although this study only looked at healthy people, it could have an impact on diabetes control in the future, as it could help reduce potentially damaging glucose spikes in the body after meal”, said Michael Powner, who led the research, in a statement.
“We live today in a world where blue light is dominant”
In the study’s findings, the team reiterates the significant long-term health consequences, including potential blood sugar dysregulation caused by prolonged exposure to blue light. “Sunlight is balanced between red and blue, but today we live in a world where blue light is dominant because, although we don’t see it, LED lights are dominated by blue and do not have almost no red. This reduces mitochondrial function and adenosine triphosphate production. Our internal environments are therefore devoid of red light. Long-term exposure to blue light is potentially toxic in the absence of red. itself, blue light has a negative impact on physiology and can lead to disruptions in blood sugar levels which, in the long term, can contribute to diabetes and reduce life expectancy. said Glen Jeffery, co-author of the work.
