A study on the physiological disposition of acetophenetidin by the diabetic man

1. The rate of acetophenetidin metabolism after oral administration has been studied in normal and diabetic human subjects. 2. The rate of metabolism of the drug was slower in the diabetics, as judged by the larger quantities of unchanged compound as well as by the lower urinary levels of the de-ethylated and conjugated derivatives excreted during identical intervals of time. 3. Differences in the rate of excretion were more pronounced in patients with more severe diabetes. 4. Treatment and stabilization of the diabetic state with insulin tended to revert the rate of metabolism of the drug to near normal values. 5. Possible mechanisms for the altered pattern of the disposition of acetophenetidin are suggested.