Stefan S. Fajans, John A. Moorhouse, H. Doorenbos
May 1, 1960
Citations
1
Influential Citations
61
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Quality indicators
Journal
Diabetes
Abstract
Phenethylbiguanide (formamidinyliminourea or DBl) is a recently developed oral nonsulfonylurea blood sugar-lowering agent. It has been reported that its administration produces hypoglycemia in normal animals' and causes a reduction of hyperglycemia and glycosuria in diabetic animals and diabetic patients.' Studies related to the mechanism of action of this compound have been reported from work in animals' and in isolated tissues. The experiments described in this report were undertaken in an effort: ( i ) to ascertain the effects of DBl on the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and electrolytes, and on adrenal function, and (2) to elucidate possible mechanisms of action of DBI in man. With these objectives in mind we have studied the effect of DBl: (a) upon levels of blood glucose under a variety of testing procedures (fasting, glucose tolerance, glucagon, insulin tolerance); (b) upon metabolic balances; and (c) upon intermediary carbohydrate metabolism in Jhealthy subjects and in diabetic patients.* SUBJECTS AND METHODS All subjects for whom metabolic balance studies are reported were admitted to the Metabolism Research Laboratory and were maintained on constant diets. Table 1 summarizes the essential data concerning these subjects and their diets. The other healthy subjects ingested diets containing 250 gm. of carbohydrate or more, and maintenance calories for at least three days before all tests. The other diabetic patients maintained their usual diets. With the exception of K.L., all patients taking insulin