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Artificial Light at Night and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Jong-Ha Baek1,2, Yong Zhu2,3, Chandra L Jackson4,5
1Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Changwon, Korea.
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal
|September 23, 2024
Summary
Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts circadian rhythms, increasing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. This review explores ALAN
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology and Metabolic Health
- Environmental Health and Public Health
Background:
- Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a pervasive environmental factor disrupting natural circadian rhythms.
- ALAN exposure is increasingly linked to lifestyle-related health issues, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
- Existing reviews on ALAN and T2DM often overlook diverse exposure characteristics and mediating factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review recent literature (2000-2024) on indoor and outdoor ALAN exposure and T2DM incidence/prevalence.
- To elucidate biological mechanisms linking ALAN to glucose metabolism dysregulation.
- To identify knowledge gaps and explore how various ALAN characteristics (type, timing, duration, wavelength, sensitivity) influence T2DM risk.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies published between 2000 and 2024.
- Analysis of associations between diverse ALAN exposure metrics and T2DM.
- Exploration of potential mediating roles of sleep, physical activity, and diet.
Main Results:
- ALAN exposure, beyond intensity, is associated with increased T2DM risk.
- Biological pathways involving circadian disruption, hormonal imbalance, and metabolic dysfunction are implicated.
- Sleep disturbances, altered physical activity, and dietary patterns mediate the ALAN-T2DM relationship.
Conclusions:
- ALAN represents a significant environmental risk factor for T2DM.
- Understanding multifaceted ALAN characteristics is crucial for accurate risk assessment.
- Chronotherapies and chrononutrition offer potential avenues for T2DM management in the context of ALAN exposure.
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