Red Light Significantly Reduces Blood Glucose Levels
The Sweet Connection: Why Managing Blood Glucose Matters
If you’re new to my blog, you’ll see there are quite a number of articles on fertility and pregnancy, but given all the messages I’ve received after posting the Powner et al., it made sense to share the protocol and device information here for anyone interested in an easy way to manage blood sugars. If you’re not TTCing or currently pregnant, just scroll down to the protocol.
When you’re trying to conceive, you have a list the length of your arm that includes everything from charting to starting prenatal vitamins. Managing blood glucose levels is rarely on that list, but there are some compelling reasons why ditching refined sugars and managing blood glucose levels will absolutely help your health and may impact how quickly you get pregnant - and whether that pregnancy is likely to be maintained. So, yes it’s kind of a big deal.
Blood Glucose's Role in Conception
Your body uses blood glucose, sometimes known as blood sugar, mostly as energy. Still, constantly high blood sugar can seriously impair fertility.
Rising blood sugar levels can throw off the delicate equilibrium of hormones required for ovulation. A condition known as insulin resistance—where your cells fail to react properly to insulin—may cause irregular periods and disregulating ovulation.
High blood glucose can cause oxidative stress in the body, potentially compromising the quality of your eggs.
PCOS Connection: Often associated with insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can be improved by controlling blood sugars.
Why does fetal health depend on blood glucose?
Once conception takes place, blood glucose levels remain absolutely crucial for the growth of your baby.
Early pregnancy high blood sugar raises the chance of neural tube defects and other congenital abnormalities. Healthy embryonic development is maintained by stabilizing blood sugar before you become pregnant.
Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause macrosomia (larger than normal size babies), which can complicate your pregnancy significantly.
Well-maintained, stable blood glucose levels are less likely to develop into Gestational Diabetes, a complication that compromises the health of you and your baby.
If you’re TTCing, dietary advice and recommendations for exercise may not be new to you (eat more protein and healthy fats and avoid processed carbs…). But you may not have come across some compelling new research from the UK on the use of red light to significantly lower blood glucose levels with only 15 minutes of exposure. This is important health information whether you’re TTCing or not.
Research Highlights and Red Light Protocol
A 2024 study by Powner and Jeffery demonstrated that a single 15-minute exposure to 670 nm red light significantly reduced blood glucose levels in healthy subjects. (Stay tuned for more research in this area in 2025 demonstrating similar findings in people with Type 2 Diabetes).
670 nm Red Light
15 mins - 40 mW/cm²
Here's a quick summary of their findings so you can replicate it at home yourself:
Study Participants
Number of Participants: The study involved 30 healthy participants.
Randomization: The participants were randomly divided into two groups: 15 in the red light therapy group and 15 in the placebo group.
Light Exposure Method
Wavelength and Duration: The red light therapy used in this study was 670 nm wavelength. Participants in the therapy group were exposed to this light for 15 minutes.
Application Area: The light was directed at an 800 cm² area of the upper back. This region includes the trapezius muscles and underlying skin cells.
Intensity: The intensity of the light was 40 mW/cm², delivering a total energy dose of 28,800 joules.
Distance from Skin: The LEDs were positioned 400 mm (about 16 inches) from the participants’ backs. A shield was used to prevent light leakage and ensure that participants remained unaware of whether they were in the therapy or placebo group.
Be sure to replicate the device from the study, too or you’ll waste your time, $$ and hope with an unproven protocol. I’m an affiliate for several red light companies that include rigorous testing. This is the device used in the study. If you’re TTCing this is a great tool for glucose management but not for overall fertility.
You can read more about my device recommendations for supporting fertility including egg quality and uterine receptivity, here.
3rd party tested for clinical studies.
Study Procedure
Initial Visit: Each participant first underwent a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) without any intervention to establish baseline glucose levels.
Intervention Visit: Within seven days, participants returned for a second OGTT. This time, the red light therapy group received the 15-minute light exposure 45 minutes before consuming the glucose solution, while the placebo group went through the same process without the light being turned on.
Blood Glucose Reduction: Red light therapy reduced blood glucose elevation by 27.7% over 2 hours after glucose intake.
Duration of Effects: The effects lasted for up to 5-7 days, making it a powerful tool for managing blood sugar spikes.
Non-Invasive: This method is non-invasive and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
Note: The same authors have shown in a fascinating 2022 study using bees. Bees that were exposed to the 670nm wavelength had improved glucose control, but those exposed to blue light wavelengths of 420nm had the opposite effect…it slowed down glucose processing. Guess which kind of light most of us are exposed to every day in our homes, workplaces, and hospitals? (Not the good kind…)
If you’re pregnant, you might also be interested to know that wavelengths of 507 nm (blue/green) have been shown to stop labor contractions.
