The Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to clarify the effect of melatonin supplementation on glycemic control. Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until July 30th, 2018. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias for included trials. Heterogeneity among included studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and I-square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled using random-effect models and standardized mean difference (SMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Twelve trials out of 292 selected reports were identified eligible to be included in current meta-analysis. The pooled findings indicated that melatonin supplementation significantly reduced fasting glucose (SMD=–6.34; 95% CI, –12.28, –0.40; p=0.04; I2: 65.0) and increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (SMD=0.01; 95% CI, 0.00, 0.02; p=0.01; I2: 0.0). However, melatonin administration did not significantly influence insulin levels (SMD=–1.03; 95% CI, –3.82, 1.77; p=0.47; I2: 0.53), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD=–0.34; 95% CI, –1.25, 0.58; p=0.37; I2: 0.37) or HbA1c levels (SMD=–0.22; 95% CI, –0.47, 0.03; p=0.08; I2: 0.0). In summary, the current meta-analysis showed a promising effect of melatonin supplementation on glycemic control through reducing fasting glucose and increasing QUICKI, yet additional prospective studies are recommended, using higher supplementation doses and longer intervention period, to confirm the impact of melatonin on insulin levels, HOMA-IR and HbA1c.
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“26 Furthermore, A recent RCT observed that melatonin supplementation during 12 weeks in patients with T2DM and coronary heart disease remarkably declined FBS, and serum insulin, and promoted the HOMA-IR 20 The underlying mechanism of melatonin in amelioration of insulin sensitivity encompasses…”
- Authors
- Doosti-Irani, A., Ostadmohammadi, V., Mirhosseini, N., Mansournia, M., Reiter, R., Kashanian, M., Rahimi, M., Razavi, M., & Asemi, Z.
- Affiliations
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Kashan University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- University of Saskatchewan (CA)
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center (US)
- Iran University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- Ardabil University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- ORCID
- Venue
- Hormone and Metabolic Research
- Publisher
- Georg Thieme Verlag KG
- Published
- 2018-11
- Volume
- 50
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 783-790
- ISSN
- 0018-5043 (ISSN-L)
- 1439-4286
- OpenAlex
- W2921315963
- Cited by
- 52
- References
- 44
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 1
- FWCI
- 0.77
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Hormone and Metabolic Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Pancreatic function and diabetes
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Treatment and Management
- Keywords
- melatonin supplementation, glycemic control, fasting blood glucose, QUICKI, insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, insulin levels, diabetes mellitus
- MeSH terms
- Blood Glucose, Diabetes Mellitus, Humans, Insulin Resistance, Melatonin, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Dietary Supplements
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