So far, when talking about diabetes or insulin, the first thing that comes to mind is checking blood sugar levels, right? But there is another test that's equally important for assessing insulin function in the body: C-Peptide. Let's get to know more about C-Peptide and why this test is so valuable!

What is C-Peptide?

C-Peptide is a small protein formed when the pancreas produces insulin. When the body processes proinsulin (the precursor to insulin), this proinsulin is split into active insulin and C-Peptide in equal amounts. The difference is that insulin is immediately used by the body to regulate blood sugar levels, while C-Peptide circulates in the blood for a longer period, making it more stable for laboratory measurements (Leighton et al., 2017).

Why is the C-Peptide Test Important?

✔ Differentiating Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

C-Peptide is very useful in determining the type of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, insulin production is very low or even absent, so C-Peptide levels are also low. In contrast, in type 2 diabetes, C-Peptide is still detectable because the body still produces insulin (Jones & Hattersley, 2013).

✔ Assessing Insulin Therapy Needs

If C-Peptide levels are sufficiently high, it means the pancreas can still produce insulin on its own, so the patient may not need to immediately start insulin injections (Tura et al., 2012).

✔ Assessing Pancreatic Function

The C-Peptide test can also help detect pancreatic damage, such as in people with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or after pancreatic surgery.

✔ More Accurate Than Insulin

Because insulin is quickly processed by the liver, its measurement can vary. On the other hand, C-Peptide is more stable, making it a more accurate indicator of the body's insulin production (Little et al., 2008).

Conclusion

The C-Peptide test is an accurate method for evaluating the body’s natural insulin production. With results that are more stable than insulin, this test is very useful for diagnosing diabetes, evaluating insulin therapy, and assessing pancreatic function. So, if you experience symptoms of diabetes or metabolic disorders, consult your doctor to see if a C-Peptide test is necessary. Let's take care of our health starting now!