Insulin cannot be orally administered to a diabetic patient because

Options

A. It is bitter in taste
B. It is a glycoprotein
C. It is proteinaceous
D. It is very expensive to get oral from of insulin

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Insulin**: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. For diabetic patients, it is essential to maintain proper insulin levels.

2. **Administration Routes**: Insulin can be administered through injections or insulin pumps. The question asks why it cannot be taken orally.

3. **Digestive System Involvement**: When insulin is taken orally, it enters the digestive system. The digestive system is designed to break down food substances.

4. **Digestive Juices**: The stomach and intestines secrete digestive juices, which contain enzymes that break down proteins and other macromolecules.

5. **Degradation of Insulin**: If insulin is ingested, it will be exposed to these digestive juices, leading to its breakdown. This means that the insulin would not reach the bloodstream in its active form.

6. **Need for Active Insulin**: For diabetic patients, it is crucial that insulin enters the bloodstream in its active form to effectively lower blood sugar levels.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, insulin cannot be orally administered because it would be degraded by digestive juices before it could enter the bloodstream, rendering it ineffective.

### Final Answer:
Insulin cannot be orally administered to a diabetic patient because it is broken down by digestive juices in the stomach and intestines, preventing it from entering the bloodstream in its active form.