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Proinsulin is a precursor molecule that the body uses to create insulin. It is a single-chain polypeptide produced in the pancreas. Within the pancreatic beta cells, proinsulin undergoes a process where it is cleaved, removing a middle section to form the active, double-chain insulin molecule and an inactive C-peptide. This conversion is essential for regulating blood sugar levels, as insulin is the primary hormone responsible for managing glucose in the bloodstream.12

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