### Red Light Therapy and Blood Sugar Control A recent study involving 30 healthy volunteers has shown that red light therapy can significantly lower blood sugar levels. The therapy involves shining a specific wavelength of red light on a person's back for 15 minutes. This study, published in the Journal of Biophotonics, found that red light therapy not only reduced overall blood glucose levels but also lowered the peak blood sugar levels after a glucose tolerance test, which simulates the body's response to a meal. #### How It Works Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), uses light to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. The study used a wavelength of 670 nanometers (nm) of red light. Researchers believe that this light increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in mitochondria, which provides energy for cellular processes. This increase in ATP could lead to signaling changes throughout the body, improving how glucose is used. #### Study Findings In the study, participants were divided into two groups. One group received the red light therapy, while the other group did not. The results showed that the red light group had a 28% reduction in blood glucose levels and a 7.5% reduction in maximum glucose spiking compared to their baseline levels. Compared to the placebo group, the red light group had a 12% reduction in peak blood sugar levels. #### Potential for Diabetes Management While the study was conducted on healthy individuals, the findings suggest that red light therapy could potentially help in managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in diabetic patients. If future studies validate these findings, red light therapy could become a non-invasive method to help control blood sugar levels, possibly reducing the need for insulin and other diabetes medications. #### Future Research Experts agree that larger and longer-term studies are needed to understand the full impact of red light therapy on blood sugar control in people with diabetes. These studies should also explore how red light therapy interacts with other diabetes treatments and its long-term effects. In summary, while red light therapy shows promise in lowering blood sugar levels, its effectiveness for people with diabetes remains to be seen. Further research will determine whether this therapy can be a viable option for diabetes management.