Absorption of Carbohydrates in Humans. ∗

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

We have presented blood sugar curves in human patients following the oral administration of glucose solutions varying from 5 to 30%. The initial rise in blood sugar during the first 30 min was more rapid with the lower concentration. It was also noted that the administration of 5% glucose solution to patients in insulin coma produced a more rapid arousal from the coma than with the 30% ordinarily employed. These results are in contrast to earlier work indicating that the absorption of glucose was independent of its concentration in the intestine. This evidence supports the hypothesis that the absorption from the intestine is at least partially dependent on the establishment of an equilibrium between the intestinal solution and the blood serum.