2007-02-11 20:22:07 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
It is a peptide - a protein. The gastrointestinal tract is very adept at taking proteins apart so they can be absorbed and used by the body. Hence, a preparation of insulin has not be developed for oral use (although, work continues in this area).
2007-02-11 20:27:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-09-15 17:54:16 · answer #2 · answered by Melody 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insulin is a hormone, and is a protein. This means that it is formed of a long chain of molecules called amino acids, which is bent into a certain shape. Our stomachs contain enzymes and acids, designed to digest and denature proteins. This means that they cut the amino acid chain, or bend it out of shape, rendering the hormone useless. Therefore insulin needs to be injected subcutaneously.
2007-02-12 21:05:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because insulin, if taken orally, would be broken down by the digestive system, it has traditionally been given by injection. However, several inhaled insulin products are in development; the first such product, Exubera received FDA approval.
http://www.exubera.com/content/con_index.jsp?setShowOn=../content/con_index.jsp&setShowHighlightOn=../content/con_index.jsp
Take care!
2007-02-11 20:30:24 · answer #4 · answered by Mary R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would be broke down like a protein. Insulin is a protein.
2007-02-12 06:28:37 · answer #5 · answered by BAR 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it can't survive the hydrochloric acid in the stomach long enough to be metabolized.
2007-02-13 12:04:32 · answer #6 · answered by notuptoit2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's broken down by the acid in your stomach.
2007-02-11 21:15:01 · answer #7 · answered by Cathy :) 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your stomach acid would destroy it.
2007-02-13 02:07:28 · answer #8 · answered by bannister_natalie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it cant survive digestion
2007-02-11 20:25:30 · answer #9 · answered by Father Ted 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋