ANTI-DIABETIC SUBSTANCE 419
204 (2164)
Clinical observations on the use of the anti-diabetic substance.
By C. B. F. CIBBS and C. C. SUTTER.
[From the Physiological Laboratory of the University of
Rochester, Rochester, N. Y.]
Following the attempts to improve the condition of diabetic
patients by administering pancreatic extracts by mouth and by
duodenal tube, purified preparations have been given hypoder-
matically and intravenously. Most of these preparations were
made by acid aqueous extraction; the fresh pancreas of ox or
pig being ground in a mill with acid media and the resultant
filtrate concentrated and purified. Other material was obtained
by perfusing the pancreas with acid aqueous media and then
concentrating and purifying the perfused fluid.
The patients on whom the preparations were used were mostly
of severe type not being previously controlled by dietetic regula-
tion. All of these cases were hospitalized in order that rigid
control of diet, urinary excretion and blood sugar levels could
be obtained. The cases in this series were 12 adults ranging from
26 to 55 years of age.
Charts of the clinical data on these cases and graphs showing
the changes in blood sugar levels and urinary sugar excretion
were demonstrated.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Potent preparations of the internal secretion of the pan-
creas can be made by aqueous acid extraction and perfusion.
2. These preparations were made non-toxic and non-irri-
tant for hypodermatic and intravenous administration.
3. The hyperglycemia can be markedly reduced and the gly-
cosuria and acetonuria can be made to disappear by means of
these preparations.
4. The clinical condition of patients can be markedly im-
proved, e. g., the thirst and polyuria diminished, edema removed,
weight gained and mental sluggishness caused to disappear.
5. The carbohydrate tolerance is increased commensurate
with the amounts of extracts employed.
6. Dessicated pancreatic extracts taken in capsule form by
stomach have thus far not proved to be effective in reducing
blood or urinary sugar.
7. Patients in complete coma can be brought back to a ra-
tional condition, their acidosis controlled and the non-protein
nitrogen and creatinine lowered to a normal level.