Melatonin – Blood Sugar connection
There is an interesting connection between Melatonin and Type 2 Diabetes.
A variation in the MTNR1B gene (which codes for one of the melatonin receptors) is of particular interest. Those who carry a particular alternate form of this gene (the G-allele) at rs10830963 experience higher blood sugar levels and are at significantly greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with the C-allele, or wild type. IE they are more susceptible to impaired insulin response to glucose.
See research here:Â A common variant in the melatonin receptor gene (MTNR1B) is associated with increased risk of future type 2 diabetes and impaired early insulin secretion
“These data suggest that the circulating hormone melatonin, which is predominantly released from the pineal gland in the brain, is involved in the pathogenesis of T2D.”
“This suggests that if you have inherited the risk variant of MTNR1B, you would want to be cautious with melatonin supplementation. If you do use them, you would want to stick to small doses.”
“This (also) means that if you have the diabetes risk allele, you might consider eating dinner early.”
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