Ulla Kampmann Opstrup - Acute Metabolic Effects of Melatonin Treatment

Modern living is associated with an epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Many studies have shown that pre- and postnatal environmental factors exert major influences on the disease risk. Sleep disturbances are strong independent risk factors for incident diabetes with a magnitude of effect comparable to a family history of diabetes.

Melatonin is implicated in the regulation of circadian rhythm and sleep, but it is also ascribed anti-oxidative properties and effects on glucose homeostasis. The aim of the present study is to examine whether treatment with synthetic melatonin induces changes in glucose metabolism that may affect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two studies will be performed, including ‘Effects of melatonin on insulin secretion and sensitivity’ and ‘Melatonin and the incretin effect’. For each study 20 healthy men aged 20-35 years will be recruited in a placebo-controlled cross over study (placebo versus acutely, orally administered Melatonin).

To determine the acute effects of synthetic melatonin on insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion (Study 1) a Botnia clamp will be performed, and to assess the potential effects of Melatonin on the incretin effect (Study 2), an oral glucose tolerance test and an isoglycemic intravenous glucose infusion (IIGI) will be performed on two occasions.

It is of great importance to get detailed insights into this area of human physiology as treatment with melatonin as well as pharmacological inhibition of the action of melatonin have been suggested as possible future targets for treatment of T2DM.