Red Light Therapy for Diabetes: A Game Changer or Just a Bright Idea?

You’ve probably seen the ads for those glowing light therapy face masks that claim to rejuvenate skin in just a few minutes. What if that same technology could be used to help manage diabetes? 

While it’s nowhere near an FDA-approved treatment for diabetes like insulin or metformin, red light therapy has shown promise as a complementary therapy that may eventually be used with medical treatment to improve certain diabetes-related complications. Let’s take a closer look at what current research says.

What is red light therapy and how does it work? 

Red light therapy, or low-level light therapy, involves exposing the body to low-level wavelengths to stimulate certain cells in a process called photobiomodulation. It’s a non-invasive form of therapy that is being used to improve various health conditions, such as acne and alopecia.

While we won't go into the details of how it works on a cellular and physiological level, the general theory is that red light stimulation activates the mitochondria, the “powerhouse of the cell.” By producing more energy, cells might become better equipped to reduce inflammation, boost healing, and improve overall cell function. 

Photobiomodulation was discovered almost 50 years ago by a Hungarian physician named Endre Mester, who stumbled on the finding that red lasers could induce hair growth in rodents. A few decades later, scientists at NASA used LED lights to grow potatoes on a space shuttle and noticed that the abrasions on their hands healed faster when exposed to this light.

Impact on neuropathy

According to a recent review, one of the potential applications of red light therapy is in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, a complication characterized by nerve pain and altered sensation in the extremities. 

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, feet, or legs. Red light exposure is thought to help by improving blood circulation to affected areas and promoting regeneration. 

Wound healing for diabetic foot ulcers

One of the dangers of untreated neuropathic pain is that it can change the way individuals put pressure on their feet. This can lead to diabetic foot ulcers, a complication that significantly affects the well-being of those with diabetes.

Also, some research shows that red light exposure can reduce the time it takes for an ulcer to heal by increasing blood flow to arteries in the foot and reducing wound pain. However, further high-quality research is needed to validate these conclusions. 

Can it help with blood sugar levels?

Red light exposure could also potentially help reduce blood sugar levels. A recent small study done in the U.K. on individuals without diabetes used an oral glucose tolerance test to study how red light affects blood glucose levels. They showed that applying a specific wavelength of light to the skin on the upper back for 15 minutes lowered the degree of blood glucose elevation by 27.7%, and reduced maximum glucose spiking by 7.5% after glucose intake.

While these exciting numbers represent a population without diabetes, another small study in people with type 2 diabetes showed similar results. More research is needed to better understand if red light exposure can help reduce blood sugar levels and limit potentially damaging glucose spikes. 

Other areas of interest

Researchers are exploring how red light therapy can be used to treat many other diabetes-related conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, mood disorders, and inflammation. This alternative therapy is still an emerging treatment that’s generating growing interest. However, at this point, more high-quality clinical studies are needed.

If you're considering red light therapy as a treatment option for any diabetes-related complication, it's important to discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific condition and needs.

Learn more about complementary therapies for diabetes-related illnesses here:

• Alpha Lipoic Acid for Diabetic Neuropathy: Does It Work?
• Cryotherapy for Diabetes: Hope or Hype?
• New Cream Could Be Valuable Addition to Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment