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 mean difference (MD)
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 (MD=–6.34;
95% CI, –12.28, –0.40; p=0.04; I2: 65.0) and increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (MD=0.01;
95% CI, 0.00, 0.02; p=0.01; I2: 0.0). However, melatonin administration did not significantly influence insulin
levels (MD=–1.03; 95% CI, –3.82, 1.77; p=0.47; I2: 0.53), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD=–0.34; 95%
CI, –1.25, 0.58; p=0.37; I2: 0.37) or HbA1c levels (MD=–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.
Key words
melatonin - glycemic control - insulin resistance - meta-analysis