Insulin
Insulin is a hormone, produced by pancreatic beta cells, that serves to increase glucose uptake from the blood. It has effects on the liver, skeletal muscles, and fat. Insulin circulates in high levels in patients with insulin-secreting pancreatic tumors (insulinomas) resulting in hypoglycemia. Accordingly, insulin immunoassays used in connection with a provocative dose of tolbutamide or calcium, play an essential role in the identification (and localization) of insulinomas. Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high carbohydrate diet, and inactivity tend to increase the normal value. Elevated levels are also found after food intake, in acromegaly, in Cushings syndrome, and in thyrotoxicosis.
Swiss-Prot Accession Number: P01308
