Back Blood-tests Explained


C-peptide


At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To help evaluate insulin production by the beta cells in the pancreas or to help determine the cause of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)

When to Get Tested?

When you have diabetes and your health practitioner wants to determine if you are producing enough of your own insulin or if it is time to supplement oral medication with insulin injections or an insulin pump; when your health practitioner suspects that you have insulin resistance; when you have documented hypoglycemia

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm and sometimes a 24-hour urine sample

Test Preparation Needed?

Fasting for 8 to 10 hours before blood testing is usually required.

The Test Sample

What is being tested?

C-peptide is a substance, a short chain of amino acids, that is released into the blood as a byproduct of the formation of insulin by the pancreas. This test measures the amount of C-peptide in a blood or urine sample.

In the pancreas, within specialized cells called beta cells, proinsulin, a biologically inactive molecule, splits apart to form one molecule of C-peptide and one molecule of insulin. Insulin is vital for the transport of glucose into the body's cells and is required on a daily basis. When insulin is required and released from the beta cells into the blood in response to increased levels of glucose, equal amounts of C-peptide are also released. Since C-peptide is produced at the same rate as insulin, it is useful as a marker of insulin production.

In particular, C-peptide testing can be used to help evaluate the production of insulin made by the body (endogenous) and to help differentiate it from insulin that is not produced by the body but is taken in as diabetic medication (exogenous) and so does not generate C-peptide. This test may be done in conjunction with an insulin test.

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.  If a 24-hour urine sample is required, all urine produced over a 24-hour time period will be collected.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

Fasting for 8 to 10 hours before blood testing is usually required.

The Test



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