Bioactivity of instant glucose. Failure of absorption through oral mucosa
R. R. Gunning and A. J. Garber
The efficacy of instant glucose as a potential treatment for hypoglycemia
was studied in normal volunteers, with therapeutic doses administered in
the buccal cavity. 2-Tritiated glucose (50 mu Ci) was homogenized into each
dose before use. Mean blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations were
unaltered by instant glucose. Glucose absorption was less than 0.05 mg at
any time, and total glucose absorbed was less than 0.1 mg. For comparison
purposes, volunteers swallowed a dose of instant glucose. Approximately 88%
of the dose was absorbed during a 30-minute interval. Blood glucose and
insulin levels increased. Instant glucose appears to be of therapeutic
value only if swallowed by fully conscious, hypoglycemic patients. It
should not benefit unconscious patients because of its poor absorption
through the buccal mucosa.
