Answer
Why Can’t Insulin Be Given Orally to Diabetic Patients?
✅ Correct Answer: (2) It will be digested in Gastro-Intestinal (GI) tract
📘 Detailed Explanation:
Insulin is a protein-based hormone. When taken orally, it behaves like dietary proteins:
- In the stomach and small intestine, enzymes like pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin break insulin down.
- This process degrades insulin into inactive amino acids before it can enter the bloodstream.
- As a result, insulin loses its structure and cannot function to control blood sugar.
💉 Alternative Administration:
To prevent this degradation, insulin is given through injections. This:
- Bypasses the digestive tract
- Allows insulin to enter the bloodstream directly
- Preserves its structure and effectiveness
❌ Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- (1) Human body will elicit strong immune response – Not the main reason for oral failure.
- (3) Because of structural variation – Not relevant to oral administration issues.
- (4) Its bioavailability will be increased – False. Oral bioavailability is decreased.
🧠 Summary:
Insulin can’t be given orally because it is broken down by digestive enzymes, making it ineffective before it reaches the bloodstream. Therefore, subcutaneous injection is used for proper glucose regulation.
Insulin can’t be given orally because it is broken down by digestive enzymes, making it ineffective before it reaches the bloodstream. Therefore, subcutaneous injection is used for proper glucose regulation.