Let the Sun Shine in: Diabetes and Natural Light

For at least a century, people in developed nations have spent more time in artificial light than natural sunlight Observational studies have found that natural light exposure stimulates metabolic changes that are associated with healthier outcomes.

In the Netherlands, researchers conducted a randomized trial of natural versus artificial light. Thirteen older adults (8 female, 5 male) with type 2 diabetes mellitus lived in a controlled environment with standardized diet, exercise, and sleep conditions. They spent 5 days exposed to natural light during office hours and 5 days with artificial light. Thus, each individual served as his or her own control.