R&D

Proinsulin: alters lipid metabolism in

noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
'The present study has confirmed that in general
proinsulin therapy can achieve equivalent blood glucose
control to isophane (NPH) insulin and comparable
fasting lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in Type 2
diabetes . . .' However, proinsulin treatment did

tend to lower serum levels of triglyceride and

VLDL cholesterol, particularly in hyperlipidaemic
patients.
Lipid metabolism was analysed in 15 patients
aged 40-75 years with noninsulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus who received SC human
proinsulin or human isophane insulin for 3
months each, in a randomised, crossover fashion.
Blood glucose control and fasting serum lipid
and lipoprotein concentrations were comparable
for both treatments. In both the total patient
group and a subgroup of 5 patients who initially
had hyperlipidaemia, the maximal postprandial
triglyceride concentration and triglyceride AUC
were significantly decreased with proinsulin
therapy, compared with isophane insulin therapy.
In hyperlipidaemic patients, mean serum
triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels were
significantly reduced with pro insulin therapy,
while mean LDL cholesterol level and LDL
cholesterol: apolipoprotein B ratio were
significantly increased.

Winocour PH. Mallik TH. Ishola M. Baker RD. Bhatnagar D. et al. A

randomized cross-over study of the effects of proinsulin on lipid
metabolism in type 2 diabetes. Diabetic Medicine 8: 22-27.
Jan 1991
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ISSN 0156-2703/9//0116-0005/0$01.00/0

Mis International Ltd

INPHARMA16 Feb 1991