EFFECT OF ORAL GLUCOSE ON THE RATE OF METABOLISM OF ETHANOL IN HUMANS

We have tested whether the effect of carbohydrate on the rateof alcohol metabolism can be reproduced by glucose alone. Tenmale subjects were given ethanol by intravenous infusion untila steady state was established and 100 g glucose in solutionwas then taken orally. The rate of alcohol metabolism, measuredas the rate of infusion required to maintain a constant breathalcohol reading, increased significantly after glucose but therewere differences between the subjects. The presence or absenceof a change in the rate of alcohol metabolism after glucosewas associated with the subject's fasting rate and with theirglucose tolerance.