Interactive correlations between artificial light at night, health risk behaviors, and cardiovascular health among patients with diabetes: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a common phenomenon and contributes to the severe light pollution suffered by more than 80% of the world's population. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between outdoor ALAN exposure and cardiovascular health (CVH) in patients with diabetes and the influence of various modifiable factors.

Methods: A survey method based on the China Diabetes and Risk Factor Monitoring System was adopted. Study data were extracted for 1765 individuals with diabetes in Anhui Province. Outdoor ALAN exposure (nW/cm²/sr) within 1000 m of each participant's residential address was obtained from satellite imagery data, with a resolution of ~1000 m. Health risk behaviors (HRBs) were measured via a standardized questionnaire. A linear regression model was employed to estimate the relationship between outdoor ALAN, HRBs, and CVH.

Results: Participants' mean age was 59.10 ± 10.0 years. An association was observed between ALAN and CVH in patients with diabetes (β = 0.205) and exercise (β = -1.557), moderated by HRBs, or metabolic metrics. There was an association between ALAN, ALAN, vegetable intake, and CVH.

Conclusions: Exploring the relationship between ALAN exposure and cardiovascular and metabolic health provides policy data for improving light pollution strategies and reducing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease in patients with diabetes.

Keywords: cardiovascular disease; cardiovascular health; diabetes; health risk behavior; outdoor light at night.