From Sodium Glucose Cotransport to Oral Rehydration
Dr. Kumar’s Take:
A physiologic insight became a public health breakthrough. When glucose is present in the small intestine, it hitches a ride with sodium through SGLT1, pulling water into the body. That simple mechanism powers oral rehydration and helps stop dehydration from becoming deadly.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Glucose enables sodium absorption through SGLT1, and water follows.
✔ This mechanism explains why oral rehydration works during severe diarrhea.
✔ Electrolyte solutions with glucose outperform glucose-free formulas.
✔ Crane’s work laid the foundation for modern oral rehydration solution.