Why is usually insulin not administered orally to a diabetic patient?

Options

A. Insulin is a peptide and is digested in gut
B. Insulin is bitter taste
C. Insulin will lead to a sudden decrease in blood sugar if given orally
D. Insulin leads to peptic ulcer orally

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Insulin**: Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. It is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.

2. **Administration Routes**: Insulin can be administered through various routes, but the most common method for diabetic patients is through injections or insulin pumps.

3. **Oral Administration Challenges**: The main reason insulin is not administered orally is due to the digestive process. When taken orally, insulin would pass through the gastrointestinal tract.

4. **Digestive Enzymes**: In the stomach and intestines, digestive enzymes and acids would break down the peptide structure of insulin. This means that by the time it reaches the bloodstream, it would be degraded and ineffective.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, insulin cannot be effectively absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally, which is why it is administered via injection or pump instead.

6. **Correct Answer**: The correct answer to the question is that "insulin is a peptide and is digested in the gut," making oral administration ineffective.

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