Description
Proinsulin has been estimated to comprise 15-35% of the total insulin-like immunoreactivity in the portal vein of normal individuals. It has a lower metabolic clearance rate and longer half-life compared to insulin. Proinsulin has a relatively greater effect on suppressing hepatic glucose production compared to stimulating peripheral glucose uptake. Other metabolic effects of proinsulin include the reduction of blood lactate levels and increasing glycerol, β-hydroxy-butyrate, and plasma nonesterified- fatty acid levels.
Indications
High proinsulin to insulin ratios are found in patients who have islet B-cell secretory defects including many hypoinsulinemic patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and some patients with early insulin dependent diabetes. In addition, proinsulin concentrations are often increased in patients with insulin *producing tumours.
Sample Type, Quantity & Conditions
2 ml Serum Fasting Sample Frozen
Special Precautions
Normal Range
After Fasting 12 Hrs: < 11.0 pmol/L
