What is C-peptide?
C-peptide, insulin production and the pancreas are all interconnected and affect each other. The pancreas is the primary gland that produces insulin and C-peptide. When blood sugar rises, it signals the pancreas to start producing insulin and C-peptide.
Insulin helps regulate blood sugar by helping to lower blood sugar levels by supplying cells with energy and by preventing overproduction of glucose. C-peptide is part of proinsulin and is released together with insulin in the pancreas. C-peptide has no direct function in the regulation of blood sugar, but it helps measure insulin production from the pancreas.
Why is c-peptide analyzed?
The amount of C-peptide in the blood can be used to measure the insulin production of the pancreas. A decrease in C-peptide levels may indicate a decrease in insulin production, while an increase in C-peptide levels may indicate an increase in insulin production. C-Peptide is measured to help classify diabetes and to choose which treatment may help. In diabetes type 1, C-Peptide levels are low and in diabetes type 2, C-Peptide levels are elevated.
What can a low value of C-peptide due to?
A low value of C-peptide can indicate a lack of insulin production from the pancreas, which can be a sign of type 1 diabetes.
What can an elevated c-peptide value be due to?
An elevated C-peptide value can be due to increased insulin production, low insulin levels, diseases of the pancreas or medical treatment. A further diagnostic examination is needed to determine the cause and the correct treatment.
The result from C-Peptide should be interpreted together with a simultaneously taken P-Glucose.
