Can hydroxychloroquine be used to treat diabetes?

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a drug that has been primarily used to treat malaria and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Recently, there has been some interest in its potential to help manage diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Some studies have shown that HCQ can improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, and it has been approved as an add-on treatment for type 2 diabetes in India since 2014. However, it is not without risks. HCQ can prolong the QT interval in the heart, which can lead to dangerous heart rhythm problems. This is particularly concerning for people with diabetes, who are already at higher risk for heart disease. Because of these risks, it is unlikely that HCQ will be approved for diabetes treatment in the United States. There are also ongoing studies to see if HCQ can delay or prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes, but results are not expected until 2024. Overall, while HCQ has shown some promise in managing diabetes, its potential heart risks make it a less favorable option, especially in populations at high risk for heart disease.