Glucose loading and dehydration in the camel.

Five female bedouin camels were subjected to large infusions of glucose, both when water was readily available and following 10 days of water deprivation. When the camels were hydrated the extra glucose was readily given off in the urine with only a slight increase in blood levels. Following dehydration, the blood glucose levels increased greatly while the urinary excretion was limited. Dehydration led to decreased blood insulin levels, while glucose infusion led to increased levels. The data show that the acclimatization of the camel to dehydration is not only a question of long-term adaption to desert conditions but that even following acute nonphysiological stress, i.e., glucosuria, excess loss of body water was prevented.