Question

Why is insulin not administered orally to diabetic patients?

Answer 1

Oral administration of insulin:

1. Insulin is a hormone.
2. It is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas.
3. When the blood sugar level is more, insulin is secreted to reduce it.
4. It absorbs the blood glucose to maintain a balance.
5. When blood glucose levels are very low, alpha cells secrete glucagon.
6. Glucagon adds glucose to the muscle.
7. It raises blood sugar levels.
8. When there is any disturbance in beta cells insulin secretion stops.
9. It leads to diabetes.
10. In this case, synthetic insulin is given to the patient.
11. Insulin has been injected into the body under the skin.
12. Insulin is made of peptides.
13. It can't be taken orally, as the digestive enzymes of the stomach degrade it.
14. It will lose its function.
15. Therefore, insulin is not administered orally.