Taking a small pill to help you sleep better sounds great. That’s what melatonin supplements promise. But if you have type 1 diabetes, you might wonder: How does this “sleep hormone” affect my insulin and blood glucose (blood sugar) levels?

Let’s dive into what melatonin is, how it works, and whether it’s safe with diabetes treatments.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by a tiny gland in your brain. It helps control your sleep-wake cycle, often referred to as your circadian rhythm. Melatonin levels go up at night to make you sleepy and drop in the morning to wake you up.

Many people use melatonin supplements to help with insomnia, jet lag, and issues related to shift work. Some research suggests that melatonin might also affect how your body handles glucose and insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose from your blood into your cells for energy.

People with type 1 diabetes have trouble producing insulin, so understanding how melatonin affects insulin and blood glucose is crucial. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter and are generally considered safe for short-term use. However, their long-term effects are not well understood, especially for people with chronic conditions like diabetes.

How Melatonin Affects Blood Sugar

Scientists are still studying how melatonin affects blood sugar levels. Some research has shown that melatonin might affect insulin sensitivity, which is how effectively your body is able to use insulin.

Below is a summary of what the research shows.

• Blood glucose and insulin — Studies have shown that melatonin affects insulin and blood sugar levels. A small study in healthy males found that taking melatonin before an evening meal improved how their bodies handled glucose and fats after eating.
• Genetic factors — Some people have mutations (changes) in a gene called MTNR1B, which affects the melatonin receptor. These mutations can increase the risk of high blood sugar and diabetes.
• Melatonin levels in type 1 diabetes — Lower melatonin levels were found in children and teens with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy individuals, which suggests it might interfere with insulin.

Potential Benefits of Melatonin for Type 1 Diabetes

Melatonin might have some benefits for managing type 1 diabetes, although the results are mixed. Melatonin supplements have been shown to reduce markers of cell damage, which is beneficial for managing diabetes complications. Melatonin can lower inflammation markers in the body, which can help people with diabetes reduce complications.

Melatonin and Type 1 Diabetes Treatments

The relationship between melatonin and type 1 diabetes treatments is complex. Melatonin can affect insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for managing blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes. Whether melatonin helps or hurts insulin sensitivity is a topic of debate among scientists. Recent research suggests that there might be a benefit for people with type 1 diabetes:

• Inflammation reduction — A study using mice showed that combining melatonin with physical activity significantly lowered inflammation in mice with diabetes complications. Because this study was performed using mice, it is unknown whether the combination of melatonin and exercise could help a person with diabetes.
• Kidney health — Melatonin has been found to improve kidney function and reduce cell damage in people with diabetic kidney disease.

Practical Tips for Using Melatonin With Type 1 Diabetes

Always talk to your doctor before starting melatonin to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your diabetes treatment plan. If you and your diabetes care provider decide it’s safe to try melatonin, here are some tips:

• Take melatonin at the right time. It’s usually taken one to two hours before bedtime to help with sleep.
• Start with the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. Dosages for sleep problems generally range anywhere from 0.1 milligrams (mg) to 10 mg.
• Regularly check your blood sugar levels when starting melatonin, as it can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

As with any supplement or medication, there are potential side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of melatonin supplementation are:

• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

Different Forms of Melatonin

Melatonin supplements come in various forms to meet different needs:

• Immediate-release tablets dissolve quickly and are good for falling asleep fast.
• Extended-release tablets release melatonin slowly, helping those who have trouble staying asleep.
• Sublingual tablets dissolve under the tongue for quick absorption.
• Liquid melatonin is easy to swallow and allows for flexible dosing.

• Gummies are popular with children and for people who don’t like swallowing pills.

Choosing the right form depends on your specific sleep issues and preferences. Always read labels and follow dosing instructions carefully.

How Much Melatonin Is Safe To Take?

The safe dose of melatonin varies depending on the person and why they’re taking it. For sleep problems, doses typically range from 0.5 mg to 5 mg taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. However, it’s crucial to consult with a health care provider before starting melatonin, especially for people with type 1 diabetes or those taking insulin or other diabetes medications.

Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use, but its long-term safety isn’t well studied. Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness — Melatonin can cause drowsiness the next day if it’s taken too late at night.
• Hormonal effects — Because melatonin is a hormone, it could affect other hormones.
• Medication interactions — Melatonin can interact with various medications, including those for diabetes.

Because of their potential interactions, people with type 1 diabetes will need to use melatonin carefully and with the guidance of a health care provider. Adjustments to diabetes medications might be needed to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Melatonin With T1D: What Is the Verdict?

The research on the relationship between melatonin and diabetes is contradictory at times, and there’s little to no research on people with type 1 diabetes and melatonin supplementation. Always consult your doctor before taking melatonin, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. They can recommend other strategies to manage diabetes and sleep issues, such as lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments, and help you understand the potential benefits and risks of using melatonin safely.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myT1Dteam, the social network for people living with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones, more than 3,400 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with type 1 diabetes.

Have you tried melatonin for sleep? Do you use any other common supplements as part of your routine? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.