Despite its release in the market, the newly introduced oral insulin pill proves to be significantly less effective when compared to the conventional method of insulin injection. Which of the following statements provides the most plausible explanation for the pill's lack of efficacy?
Insulin is only effective when directly administered into the bloodstream.
Insulin is typically injected into the subcutaneous fat layer, such as the upper arm or abdomen, rather than directly into the bloodstream.
Insulin's effectiveness is limited to the specific region where it is administered.
Oral insulin undergoes degradation processes that reduce its effectiveness.
Option 4 provides the most plausible explanation for the ineffectiveness of the oral insulin pill. It states that oral insulin undergoes degradation processes that reduce its effectiveness. This suggests that the pill may be broken down or altered during the digestive process, leading to a decrease in its therapeutic potency. As a result, the insulin may not be absorbed properly or may be rendered ineffective before reaching the bloodstream. This highlights the importance of considering the stability and bioavailability of oral medications in developing effective oral insulin formulations.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.