Unusual thirst is a common symptom of diabetic patients, and is directly related to osmotic pressure. A diabetic patient gives an elevated reading of 200 mg/dL during a routine checkup. Assume that the patient has a blood volume of 4.7 L. All calculations are made at 25?C. Assume value of 7.8 mmol/L for normal glucose concentration. (MWglucose = 180.16 g/mol; R = 0.0821 (L atm)/(mol K))
A. What is the difference in osmotic pressure exerted by glucose on the blood cells between the normal and elevated state in atm?
B. Calculate the volume of fluid a patient would need to receive to lower their blood glucose concentration back to normal range.
Assume the body has no other way to lower blood glucose concentration. (i.e. neglect urination, a negative feedback mechanism which reduces blood volume and osmolarity).