Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Insulin Levels and Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#antioxidants #diabetes-mellitus-type-2 #dietary-supplements #humans #hyperinsulinism

Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Insulin Levels and Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Li et al., 2021 | Horm Metab Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Li Yan, Xu Zhenbin. Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Insulin Levels and Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Horm Metab Res. 2021-Sep;53(9):616-624. doi:10.1055/a-1544-8181

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) is a pivotal process in various metabolic diseases. The well-known treatment is lifestyle modification and medication therapy, which may result in poor compliance and side effects. Melatonin has been suggested to have a role in glucose metabolism, yet the results across studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to evaluate the effects of melatonin supplementation on insulin levels and IR. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published prior to August 2020. Articles were reviewed, selected and extracted by two reviewers independently. In total, 8 RCTs of 376 participants were included. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, with mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our results showed that melatonin administration significantly reduced insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). We conclude that melatonin ameliorated hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and insulin sensitivity, and the results are an update of a previous meta-analysis. Although more investigations are required, we clearly provide evidence for the use of melatonin as an adjuvant treatment for metabolic disorders involving IR.

Key Findings

Although more investigations are required, we clearly provide evidence for the use of melatonin as an adjuvant treatment for metabolic disorders involving IR.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 376
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Hyperinsulinism
  • Insulin
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Melatonin
  • Prognosis
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09