Gestational diabetes is increasing worldwide, affecting 4.5% of first-time mothers who delivered a child between 2011 and 2013. It is expected to rise by an average of 3.4% every three years through 2019. Gestational diabetes affected 7.8% of US births in 2020.

In order to reduce their risk of acquiring gestational diabetes, pregnant women should dim the lights in their homes and turn off or at least dim the screens on their smartphones and computers a few hours before night. 

A multi-site trial showed that women with gestational diabetes mellitus experienced more light exposure in the three hours before falling asleep compared to individuals who did not develop it. Both the groups did not differ in their levels of activity during the day, sleep, or exposure to light.

Eight clinical centers in the United States evaluated 741 pregnant women between 2011 and 2013. During the second trimester of pregnancy, when women are routinely screened for gestational diabetes, the women were measured. An actigraph on the participants wrists was used to quantify their exposure to light.

Results showed that sympathetic overactivity might contribute to cardiometabolic disease, a collection of disorders that includes abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and a lipid profile contributing to cardiovascular disease. Further, the increase in the body mass index and older age of pregnant women have been partially blamed for the rising occurrence of gestational diabetes

Overall, the study emphasizes that it’s essential to limit light exposure in the hours before night and help in decreasing the risks of developing gestational diabetes.

(Source:  https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230310/Light-exposure-before-bedtime-may-be-a-easily-modifiable-risk-factor-of-gestational-diabetes.aspx)