THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE ALCOHOLISM WITH GLUCOSE AND INSULIN

Abstract

The effect of glucose and insulin on the rate of disappearance of alc. from the blood was studied in a series of intoxicated patients. The inj. of 15 units of insulin had no effect on the blood alc. The inj. of 50 cc. of 50% glucose intraven. caused a moderately increased fall in blood alc. only in the severely intoxicated patients. No change was observed in the less severely intoxicated group. The adm. of both glucose and insulin accelerated the decrease in blood ale. in all patients, and relieved the symptoms of acute intoxication. The oxidation of alc. might be catalyzed by the simultaneous oxidation of glucose.