ACE2 and COVID-19: Since Ang II up-regulates while Ang-(1-7) suppresses the up-regulation of SGLT1 (154, 155), it is postulated that down-regulation of ACE2 expressions by binding SARS-CoV-2 leads to increased Ang II levels and to a corresponding decrease in Ang-(1-7) levels, which up-regulates SGLT1, increases intestinal glucose absorption, and promotes the development of hyperglycemia in COVID-19 patients.