Proinsulin and Specific Insulin Concentration in High- and Low-Risk Populations for NIDDM

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance have been implicated as risk factors for the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Recent data suggest that proinsulin may comprise a large proportion of immunoreactive insulin in subjects with NIDDM and possibly in those with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) as well. Increased proinsulin concentrations are thought to be an early indicator of a failing pancreas. We examined...