COVID-19 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: HCQ may be the Holy Grail

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is on the rampage claiming over 297000 lives globally. Disease severity and mortality rates are higher in patients with underlying diabetes mellitus. Till date, there exists no effective vaccine or therapy against COVID-19. However, with limited clinical data, HCQ is being used for treatment and prophylaxis in patients with COVID-19. HCQ is also used as an anti-diabetic drug and has been approved in India as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) on metformin and sulfonylurea combination in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Thus, although indiscriminate use of HCQ is fraught with danger, HCQ can be considered as a third-line add on anti-diabetic agent in people with T2DM amid the ongoing pandemic after having ruled out the contraindications to the use of this drug.