A recent study conducted by researchers in the United Kingdom has shown promising results regarding the effects of red light therapy on blood sugar levels. Published in the Journal of Biophotonics, the study found that just 15 minutes of exposure to a specific wavelength of red light on bare skin led to a significant reduction in blood sugar levels in healthy adults.
The researchers recruited 30 healthy participants for the study, with half of them receiving the red light therapy and the other half serving as a control group. Over a 7-day period, both groups underwent fasting oral glucose tolerance tests to measure how well their bodies processed sugar. The group that received the red light therapy experienced a nearly 30% drop in blood sugar levels compared to their baseline readings. Additionally, they also saw a 7.5% reduction in peak blood glucose levels, which helps in controlling blood sugar spikes after consuming sugar.
Although the results are promising, it is important to note that it is still too early to determine whether red light therapy could be used as a treatment for diabetes. Dr. Michael Powner, a senior lecturer in Neurobiology at the University of London and the lead author of the research, emphasized the need for further research to replicate these findings on a larger scale.
Red light therapy works by affecting cellular metabolism via mitochondria, the cell's powerhouse responsible for producing energy. The 670 nm red light used in the study is believed to increase ATP production and, therefore, increase the demand for glucose. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, the researchers are hopeful that future studies will shed more light on how red light therapy can be utilized in diabetes treatment.
In conclusion, the study on red light therapy and its effects on blood sugar levels shows promise for potential applications in diabetes treatment. However, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety before it can be widely implemented in clinical settings.