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November 13, 2005

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Question from Manitoba, Canada:

I have read that “glucose from food can only be absorbed into the bloodstream after it has passed into the intestines. It cannot be absorbed through the lining of the mouth, as used to be believed.” So, does applying cake mate in the pocket of the cheek in a unresponsive hypoglycemic child cause an increase in blood glucose? It would appear not according to this latest literature.

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

There is probably not much reason to put anything into the mouth of an unresponsive child or adult. That is what glucagon is for under such circumstances so that there will be no choking, aspiration, etc. Probably most, if not all, such absorption occurs from swallowing and breaking down the glucose in the stomach and intestines.

SB