Acute effect of glucose tablets on desire to smoke.

RATIONALE

Previous research suggests that glucose may reduce desire to smoke during periods of abstinence but a definitive test is needed.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to determine whether a single administration of oral glucose would reduce desire to smoke in abstaining smokers.

METHODS

Thirty-eight smokers attended the laboratory in the afternoon having not smoked since the previous evening. They rated their desire to smoke immediately before and at 5-min intervals for 20 min after chewing four 3-g glucose tablets (experimental group) or four matched placebo tablets (control group).

RESULTS

Ratings of desire to smoke decreased to a greater extent in the experimental than the control group. The effect was apparent after 10 min. There was no difference between the groups in terms of feeling "sick" or "satisfied".

CONCLUSION

A single dose of glucose has a relatively rapid and detectable effect on desire to smoke and the effect is not mediated by feeling sick. Glucose tablets may be useful in helping to control desire to smoke during periods of abstinence.