C-Peptide test measures the formation of insulin production by the beta cells in the pancreas.
C-peptide is a portion of insulin. Insulin helps the body use and control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin allows the glucose to enter body cells, where it is used for energy. It is important in keeping blood sugar levels within a normal range.
C-peptide is released in amounts equal to insulin, so the level of C-peptide in the blood can indicate how much insulin is being produced by the pancreas.
C-peptide test can be done when diabetes has been newly diagnosed and it is not clear whether type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes is present. A person whose pancreas is unable to produce any insulin (type 1 diabetes) usually has a decreased level of insulin and C-peptide. A person with type 2 diabetes has a normal or increased level of C-peptide.
C-peptide test can also help determine the cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). There are several causes of hypoglycemia, including the excessive use of medication to treat diabetes or the presence of a noncancerous growth (tumor) in the pancreas called an insulinoma. Because man-made (synthetic) insulin does not contain C-peptide, a person with a low blood sugar level from the inappropriate use of insulin will have a low C-peptide level. An insulinoma causes the pancreas to release excessive amounts of insulin, which causes blood sugar levels to decrease (hypoglycemia). A person with an insulinoma will have a high level of C-peptide in the blood.
Call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS (1-888-333-5227) to speak to our medical staff, or simply order a C-Peptide test online.
