Exposure to light at night is considered a major factor in increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, as revealed by a large-scale study conducted by Flinders University in collaboration with over 85,000 participants. The study showed that nighttime light exposure affects people's biological clocks, leading to changes in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism, which hinders the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels properly and increases the risk of developing the disease.
According to the study from Flinders University, avoiding any type of light at night is one of the best recommendations to reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes. The study monitored participants' health over nine years, measuring the amount of light they were exposed to from 12:30 AM to 6:00 AM each week using a wrist-worn light sensor, among those who were not initially affected by the condition.
Careful..... Exposure to light at night increases the risk of type II diabetes by up to 67%
This study indicates that individuals exposed to large amounts of light have a 67% higher chance of developing chronic diseases. The study also suggests that increasing light exposure increases the risk of developing these diseases. Therefore, if we cannot avoid light exposure altogether, it is advisable to minimize it as much as possible, whether from light bulbs, televisions, mobile phones, computers, and others.
The study also assessed other factors associated with type 2 diabetes, such as lifestyle patterns, sleep habits, work shifts, diet, and mental health. Despite considering these factors, the study showed that light exposure remains a significant risk factor.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs due to the body's inability to use insulin properly to regulate blood sugar levels. The potential reason why light increases the risk of developing the disease is its impact on the body's biological clock, leading to disrupted sleep and changes in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. This makes it difficult for the body to effectively regulate blood sugar levels, increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Associate Professor Andrew Phillips from Flinders University's School of Medicine and Public Health has found that reducing nighttime light exposure and maintaining a dark environment could be a cost-effective way to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes. These significant findings were published in an article in The Lancet, accessible for free to everyone.
In addition to light, research indicates a correlation between keeping a cell phone near you while sleeping and the increased risk of various diseases, including obesity and diabetes. On a positive note, it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to light and refrain from keeping the cell phone next to the bed. Furthermore, walking 10,000 steps daily may also help reduce the risk of diabetes.
