Possible role of exogenous melatonin in preventing more serious COVID-19 infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2021 Jul 9;67Suppl 1(Suppl 1):18-21. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.67.Suppl1.20200968. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

COVID-19 infection is more severe in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The severity of this viral infection is associated with an intense inflammatory activity. DM2 is a disease that also determines a greater degree of systemic inflammation. This is due to hyperglycemia, the higher prevalence of sleep disorders and also the low levels of melatonin, a substance with anti-inflammatory actions, in these patients. In this article, we suggest that exogenous melatonin may have an important anti-inflammatory role in preventing severe forms of COVID -19 in patients with DM2.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia*
  • Melatonin* / therapeutic use
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Melatonin