In previous Diabetes Blog Bytes, we have highlighted the health benefits of spending time in the sun. Now, more data to support sun therapy. “Increased bright sunlight exposure may be associated with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease by lowering blood insulin and lipid levels,” stated Constantinos Christodoulides, MD, PhD, a university research lecturer and honorary consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

This study analyzed over 8,000 healthy participants. The scientist gathered data from body measurements and fasting blood sugar levels. They then juxtaposed this data next to weather measurements in the areas where participants lived.

“Researchers found that each additional 1-hour increase in bright sunlight during the 7 days before blood sampling was associated with a –1.05% decrease in insulin resistance and a –0.54% improvement in beta-cell function .”

Longer exposure to sunlight days prior to blood sampling was also associated with lower LDL cholesterol.

The researchers believe that additional studies should be conducted in order to better understand the correlation.

To learn more: Bright sunlight exposure may decrease risk for type 2 diabetes, CVD – Healio

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