International Journal of Experimental Diabetes Research 
Volume 2 (2001), Issue 2, Pages 145-151
doi:10.1155/EDR.2001.145

Proinsulin C-peptide - A Consensus Statement

Anders A. F. Sima,1,2,4 George Grunberger,3,4,5 Hans Jörnvall,6 John Wahren,7 and The C-Peptide Study Group

 1Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
2Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
3Department of lnternal Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
4Morris Hood Jr. Diabetes Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
5Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
6Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Section of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
7Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract

In recent years the physiological role of the proinsulin C-peptide has received increasing attention, focusing on the potential therapeutic value of C-peptide replacement in preventing and ameliorating type 1 diabetic complications. In order to consolidate these new data and to identify the immediate directions of C-peptide research and its clinical usefulness, an International Symposium was held in Detroit, Michigan, on October 20–21, 2000, under the auspices of the Wayne State University/Morris Hood Jr. Comprehensive Diabetes Center. In this communication, we review the cellular, physiological and clinical effects of C-peptide replacement in animal models and in patients with type 1 diabetes. Finally, recommendations are presented as to the most urgent studies that should be pursued to further establish the biological action of C-peptide and its therapeutic value.