Melatonin is a hormone secreted from pineal gland located in the under surface of brain. Its’ secretion is influenced by light and dark; dark inducing its release.
In addition to inducing sleep, it also acts on different organs of body and influence their functions too. So it regulates the “biological clock” responsible for sleep/wake pattern.
It has been seen that people engaged in night shift duty are prone to develop type II diabetes (DM Type II) mellitus, obesity and heart disease.
As reported in ScienceDaily (Jan. 29, 2012), it has been found that mutation in certain melatonin receptor proteins may be responsible for development of DM Type II.
The release of insulin, which regulates blood sugar level, is known to be regulated by melatonin to some extent. Also, it has a role in regulating hormones from adrenal gland; glucocorticoids and adrenaline; those have role in regulating blood sugar.
The researchers suggest that mutations in the MT2 gene may disrupt the link between the body clock and insulin release, leading to abnormal control of blood sugar.
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| Image via Wikipedia; Endocrine System |
It has been seen that people engaged in night shift duty are prone to develop type II diabetes (DM Type II) mellitus, obesity and heart disease.
As reported in ScienceDaily (Jan. 29, 2012), it has been found that mutation in certain melatonin receptor proteins may be responsible for development of DM Type II.
The release of insulin, which regulates blood sugar level, is known to be regulated by melatonin to some extent. Also, it has a role in regulating hormones from adrenal gland; glucocorticoids and adrenaline; those have role in regulating blood sugar.
The researchers suggest that mutations in the MT2 gene may disrupt the link between the body clock and insulin release, leading to abnormal control of blood sugar.
