Beta cell protection to alloxan necrosis by anomers of D-glucose.

Various concentrations of either the alpha or beta anomers of D-glucose were injected into fasted rats prior to a diabetogenic dose of alloxan. Plasma concentrations of glucose were measured 24 hours later. There was a significantly greater protection of the pancreatic beta cells by the alpha anomer of D-glucose as compared to the beta anomer, which was evidenced by concentrations of glucose in the plasma, and morphology of beta cells.