title: [Less need for insulin, a surprising effect of phototherapy in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus].
abstract: A 40-year-old woman with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was treated successfully with phototherapy for a seasonal affective disorder. Following sessions of phototherapy she developed hypoglycaemias and required less insulin. A review of the literature showed that melatonin has an inhibiting effect on insulin sensitivity. The melatonin secretion, which is suppressed by phototherapy, may cause an immediate decrease in the plasma glucose levels. This decrease may well be important for patients with insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus and seasonal affective disorder.
authors.affiliation: opleiding tot psychiater verbonden aan deGGZ Breburg Groep en was werkzaam in het St. Elisabeth Ziekenhuis te Tilburg.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Nieuwenhuis
authors.forename: P F M J
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Spooren
authors.forename: J J D
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Tilanus
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008550:Melatonin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D017440:Photoperiod; D010789:Phototherapy; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D008550:Melatonin