Published online Jul 15, 2018. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v9.i7.99
Peer-review started: April 16, 2018
First decision: May 24, 2018
Revised: June 1, 2018
Accepted: June 8, 2018
Article in press: June 8, 2018
Published online: July 15, 2018
Processing time: 90 Days and 12.3 Hours
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, life-threatening metabolic disorder that occurs worldwide. Despite an increase in the knowledge of the risk factors that are associated with diabetes mellitus, its worldwide prevalence has continued to rise; thus, necessitating more research into its aetiology. Recent researches are beginning to link a dysregulation of the circadian rhythm to impairment of intermediary metabolism; with evidences that circadian rhythm dysfunction might play an important role in the aetiology, course or prognosis of some cases of diabetes mellitus. These evidences thereby suggest possible relationships between the circadian rhythm regulator melatonin, and diabetes mellitus. In this review, we discuss the roles of the circadian rhythm in the regulation of the metabolism of carbohydrates and other macronutrients; with emphasis on the importance of melatonin and the impacts of its deficiency on carbohydrate homeostasis. Also, the possibility of using melatonin and its analogs for the “prophylaxis” or management of diabetes mellitus is also considered.
Core tip: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, life-threatening metabolic disorder with a huge disease burden and rising global prevalence that is nearing epidemic proportions. Research has continued to reveal the importance of circadian rhythm and the neurohormone melatonin in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. More studies are also revealing the potential roles of melatonin in the pathogenesis, management and modulation of the course of diabetes mellitus; especially type 2 diabetes mellitus. Presently, an array of potential mechanisms exists for melatonin’s roles in diabetes mellitus; however, a complete picture of this is yet to emerge.