Use

Proinsulin is synthesized in the pancreatic beta cells as a precursor to insulin. Elevated levels of proinsulin are associated with various conditions, such as benign or malignant β-cell tumors of the pancreas, endocrine pancreatic tumors associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1), and impaired glucose tolerance. High levels can also be a risk factor for developing non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Elevated proinsulin levels can be observed in patients with chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, or hyperthyroidism.