Timing plays a crucial role in maximizing the metabolic effects of red light therapy (RLT), especially when targeting post-meal blood sugar regulation.
📌 According to the 2024 UCL pilot study, participants who received 15 minutes of 670 nm red light exposure approximately 45 minutes before consuming glucose experienced a 27–30% reduction in average post-meal blood sugar and a 7–12% reduction in peak glucose levels.
This pre-meal window appears to allow mitochondrial activation and glucose uptake mechanisms—like GLUT4 transporter mobilization—to peak right as glucose enters the bloodstream, effectively blunting the spike.
✅ General guidance:
Use red light therapy 30–45 minutes before meals, especially if the meal is carbohydrate-rich.
Morning sessions may also align with your body’s circadian rhythms, supporting energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity throughout the day.
🧠 Some users report feeling more alert and energized after morning sessions, while others prefer evening use to promote muscle recovery and blood flow.
⚠️ As always, personal response varies. Try tracking your post-meal blood sugar with a CGM or glucometer to assess whether your timing is ideal.