Evaluating the Effectiveness of Melatonin in Reducing the Risk of Foot Ulcers in Diabetic Patients Publisher



Sajjadpour Z¹ ; Hoseini Tavassol Z¹ ; Aghaei Meybodi HR² ; Eskandarynasab M^{3, 4} ; Pejman Sani M⁵ ; Hasaniranjbar S¹ ; Larijani B⁵
Source: Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Published:2023

Abstract

Objectives: Diabetes and its complications, as a major health concern, are associated with morbidity and mortality around the world. One of these complications is diabetic foot ulcer. Factors such as hyperglycemia, neuropathy, vascular damage and impaired immune system can cause foot ulcers. The present review aims to study the potential effects of melatonin, the main product of pineal glands, on diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: A narrative review was performed using present literature in an attempt to identify the different aspects of melatonin’s impact on diabetic foot ulcers by searching related keywords in electronic databases without any restriction. Results: This review shows that, melatonin has anti-diabetic effects. It is effective in reducing the risk of hyperglycemia, neuropathy, vascular damage and immune system impairment in diabetic patients. By reducing these complications with melatonin, correspondingly, the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers may also decrease in these patients. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate promising properties of melatonin while dealing with diabetic foot ulcers and their common underlying conditions, but still, it needs to be investigated more in future studies. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Tehran University of Medical Sciences.