Alleviation of Experimental Diabetes in Man by Administration of Reduced Glutathione (GSH): Metabolic Implications

Abstract

The effect of intraven. admn. of large amts. of GSH (despite continued ACTH admn.) on established hyperglycemia and glycosuria was investigated in a 30-day metabolic balance study made on a normal young man. ACTH (68 mg./day) was given in equal doses every 6 hrs. for 6 days and on the 4th and 6th day of ACTH, pure reduced glutathione was given intraven. in specified amts. Renal glycosuria occurred on the 1st day of ACTH. Hyperglycemia was evident on the 2d day and continued with increasing intensity through the entire ACTH period except during the intervals of GSH admn. This dramatic but transitory reversal lasted 1-2 hrs. after each injn. of GSH. Most striking were sharp elevation of renal threshold for glucose and a fall in blood sugar level; resulting in glucose free urine during each hr. immediately following admn. of GSH.