[Effect of maltose, following long-term intravenous infusion, on the metabolism].

6 healthy subjects received a 20% electrolyte containing maltose solution over a period of 6 hours. The concentration of maltose rose up to 109 (76-215 mg/100 ml). During the infusion period 3,7 (1,9-7,7) g maltose were excreted. The concentration of glucose and insulin was not altered, although the renal glucose loss was 20,2 (7,5-38,7) g. In the same period 49,8 +/- 13,2 mval potassium and 135,4 +/- 35 mval sodium were eliminated. Maltose induced an osmotic diuresis which was not caused by hyperglycemia. Such a type of osmotic substance has not been described before.