ACUTE ADMINISTRATION OF NICOTINAMIDE DOES NOT MODIFY C-PEPTIDE AND INSULIN-SECRETION IN NORMAL SUBJECTS

It has been suggested that the administration of nicotinamide may increase C-peptide secretion in patients with recent onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). On this basis, the use of nicotinamide has been proposed for preventing IDDM in immunologically susceptible individuals. We have investigated whether the administration of nicotinamide to normal subjects stimulates C-peptide and insulin secretion. In a double-blind study 10 subjects received an oral dose of nicotinamide (25 mg/kg body weight) or placebo and the C-peptide and insulin levels were evaluated within 60 min. No significant changes were observed in either C-peptide or insulin secretion. These data indicate that nicotinamide does not modify acutely C-peptide or insulin secretion in normal subjects.