C peptide
Types
- C peptide is a protein released by the pancreas. A peptide released during the cleavage of insulin from proinsulin. Insulin is also released by the pancreas. Insulin is important in keeping blood sugar levels within a normal range. Since C peptide is released in amounts equal to insulin, the level of C peptide in blood indicates the amount...
Description
- 0.7 – 3.0 ng/ml
When to get Tested
- When there is documented acute or recurrent hypoglycaemia (s/s sweating, palpitations, hunger, confusions, blurred vision, fainting and in severe cases seizures and loss of consciousness)
- To distinguish body’s own Insulin from outside sources of Insulin
- When diagnosed with Insulinoma to monitor effectiveness of treatment and to detect tumour recurrence.
Elevated Level
- Newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes usually has a normal or increased level of C peptide
- Insulinoma
- Insulin resistance
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Cushings syndrome
- Kidney failure
Decreased Level
- Type 1 diabetes patients have a low or undetectable level of C peptide
- Pancreatectomy
