- Study asked volunteers to spend almost five days in an office-style environment
Working in an office without windows could exacerbate type 2 diabetes, according to recent research.
A small study involving 13 retired individuals with type 2 diabetes required the volunteers to simulate a nearly five-day period in an office environment, alternating between sitting next to a window with daylight streaming through and being indoors with only artificial electric LED lighting.
Results from 24-hour blood glucose monitors showed that when participants were exposed to natural light, their blood sugar level remained within the normal range 59% of the time. In contrast, under artificial lighting, their blood sugar level was within the normal range only 51% of the time.
Working in an office without windows could make type 2 diabetes worse, research suggests (Stock image)
Professor Joris Hoeks, senior author of the study from Maastricht University, commented: ‘People shouldn’t be stuck in poorly lit offices with no windows, these results suggest.’ He further indicated that exposure to daylight likely has a positive effect on the body’s internal clock, which is crucial for processes such as blood sugar control. Professor Hoeks added, ‘Although the difference in blood sugar control associated with light was not significant, it is noteworthy because individuals can easily modify their daytime routine slightly to get more natural light by sitting next to a window.’
Presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg, the study provided participants with the same meals and subjected them to dim light in the evening. The only variable was the type of light exposure between 8am and 5pm.
Dr Lucy Chambers, head of research communications at Diabetes UK, stated: ‘Daylight plays a critical role in synchronising the body’s internal clock, which is known to influence many bodily functions, including glucose usage. This small study suggests that increasing the time spent in natural daylight could potentially help individuals with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels. Although the duration and frequency of daylight required for optimal blood glucose management still require further investigation, engaging in outdoor activities and being physically active are known to benefit overall health.’
Please note that the study has not yet undergone journal publication or peer review.
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