C-Peptide, Fasting
Understanding C-Peptide, Fasting
What is C-Peptide, Fasting?
C-Peptide test measures the amount of C-Peptide in the blood or urine. It is a chemical produced by the pancrease in almost the same proportion as insulin. Hence, it can be used as an indicator of the amount of insulin produced in the body. This test is mainly used to distinguish between Type I and Type II diabetes. Type I diabetes is characterized by negligible amounts of insulin and C-peptide. However, in type II diabetes, insulin and C-Peptide levels are beyond normal.
This test is also recommended by doctors to check the treatment of diabetes.
Reduced calorie intake and weight management can aid in managing C-peptide levels.
What is C-Peptide, Fasting used for?
The C-peptide test should be performed:
· To help evaluate insulin production by the beta cells in the pancreas
· To help determine the cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) whether it is due to insulin-producing tumors in the body or due to insulin injections (medicinal insulin)
· To monitor how well the insulinomas (tumors) are responding to the treatment: Decreasing levels of C-peptide in someone with an insulinoma indicate a response to treatment; levels that are increasing may indicate a tumor recurrence
· To distinguish between type I and type II diabetes mellitus
· To help evaluate a person diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (set of abdominal obesity, increased blood glucose and/or insulin resistance, abnormal blood lipid levels, and high blood pressure)
· After pancreatic transplantation: In case of pancreatic islet cell transplants, intended to restore the ability to make insulin, C-peptide levels may be used to verify the effectiveness of treatment and continued success of the procedure.
Interpreting C-Peptide, Fasting results
Interpretations
High levels:
· A high level of C-peptide generally indicates a high level of endogenous insulin production which may be in response to high blood glucose levels caused by glucose intake or insulin resistance.
· High levels of C-peptide are also seen with insulinomas.
· High levels of C-peptide may be seen with low blood potassium, Cushing syndrome, and renal failure.
Low levels:
- A low level of C-peptide indicates a low level of insulin production by the beta cells that can be seen in diabetes or when production is suppressed by treatment with exogenous insulin.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about C-Peptide, Fasting
Frequently Asked Questions about C-Peptide, Fasting
Q. Where does C-peptide come from?
Q. Does C-peptide level help in diagnosing diabetes?
Q. Can drugs increase C-peptide level?
Q. How does C-peptide test help in the treatment of type 2 diabetes?
Q. What is stimulated C-peptide test?
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
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