C-peptide Analysis: Interpreting Test Results

The C-peptide analysis is used to assess the efficiency of beta cells in producing insulin. It's also employed to determine the cause of low blood glucose levels and to differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes if the diagnosis isn't certain. Would you like more information on how to interpret the C-peptide analysis and understand the results? If so, continue reading this article.

How can C-peptide analysis be interpreted?

C-peptide analysis is a test used to diagnose, treat, and monitor conditions related to insulin production. Therefore, interpreting C-peptide analysis results helps determine the pancreatic status and the body's response to glucose.

To do this simplistically, you need to know the following:

• Insulin is the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar levels, produced by specialized cells in the pancreas known as beta cells.
• C-peptide is a byproduct produced by the pancreas during insulin production, and its levels in the blood reflect the amount of insulin being produced.
• Insulin and C-peptide enter the bloodstream simultaneously and in equal amounts.
• C-peptide levels do not affect glucose levels but remain in the bloodstream longer than insulin, making it easier to measure accurately.

This means that when interpreting C-peptide analysis:

• High C-peptide levels: indicate increased insulin production in the body.
• Low C-peptide levels: indicate decreased insulin production in the body.
• C-peptide levels within the normal range: indicate normal insulin levels in the body.

What is the normal level of C-peptide in the bloodstream?

Generally, the normal level of C-peptide in the bloodstream ranges from 0.5 to 2.0 nanograms per milliliter. However, this ratio may vary slightly from one laboratory to another, so we advise consulting your doctor for information and interpretation of the result.

What do elevated levels of C-peptide indicate?

An elevated C-peptide analysis reading indicates that the body is producing too much insulin, usually resulting from one of the following:

• Insulin resistance.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Kidney failure.
• Insulinomas (insulin-secreting tumors).
• Low blood potassium levels.
• Cushing's syndrome, a disorder of the adrenal glands.
• Taking a class of diabetes medications known as sulfonylureas, such as chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, or tolazamide.

What do low levels of C-peptide indicate?

A decrease in C-peptide analysis reading indicates insufficient production of insulin, usually resulting from:

• Type 1 diabetes, and sometimes type 2 (typically, individuals with type 1 diabetes have lower levels of C-peptide compared to those with type 2 diabetes).
• Prolonged fasting.
• High doses of insulin to treat diabetes, as insulin prevents the pancreas from producing insulin on its own.
• Severe infection.
• Addison's disease, a disorder where the adrenal glands produce very little cortisol and aldosterone hormones.
• Poor pancreatic function.
• Liver diseases.

The C-peptide level can decrease during insulinoma treatments in the pancreas, indicating that the treatment is effective.

You can test your C-peptide levels and assess your body's insulin production quality through the C-peptide analysis provided by Blazma.