C-peptide

General information:

C-peptide is a substance, a short chain of amino acids, released into the blood as an intermediate in the formation of insulin by the pancreas. This is a process occurring in the beta-cells, in which one molecule of C-peptide and one molecule of insulin are obtained from proinsulin. In particular, its study can give an estimate of the insulin produced by the body (endogenous) versus that taken in diabetes treatment (exogenous), since no c-peptide is generated when taken.

High levels are found in:

• newly diagnosed patient with type 1 diabetes (assessment of residual beta-cell function)
• patients with metabolic syndrome
• Diabetes type 2 monitoring
• High glucose levels/unspecified/
• Insulin resistance
• Insulinomas
• Cushing's syndrome
• Kidney failure

Low values are indicative of:

• Correct response in treatment
• Low insulin production (probably due to exogenous insulin intake)

Sample required:

Venous blood

Key words:

C-peptide, diabetes