Esben Lauritzen
PhD student and doctor
Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus and Steno Medical Research Laboratory, Aarhus University Hospital
Biografi
Good sleep and synchrony between the internal circadian rhythm and the external day-night cycle is crucial for well-regulated glucose homeostasis exemplified by an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in night-shift workers. Melatonin serves as a light-sensing neurohormone, which translates retinal light exposure to an endocrine signal. It is mainly secreting during the night where it promotes sleep, but several lines of evidence also suggest that it is involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. I investigate the relationship between melatonin and glucose homeostasis after acute daytime administration as well as the metabolic consequences of long-term melatonin administration before bedtime in patients with type 2 diabetes.
