C-Peptide test

What is C-peptide?

A peptide is composed of two or more amino acids linked in a chain.C-peptide is a 31 amino acids long peptide chain. It is secreted from the beta cells of the pancreas when insulin cleavages out from proinsulin.
Some of the alternative names for C-peptide are as follows:
 Insulin C-peptide 
Connecting Peptide Insulin 
Proinsulin C-peptide

What are the functions of C-Peptide?

Various recent studies show that there are some significant biological activities of C-Peptides.
Some of the functions are listed below:
C-Peptide improves the capillary blood flow in the feet.
It helps in decreasing urinary albumin excretion.
Improves nerve functions in people having type 1 Diabetes. 
 

What is the C-Peptide test?

C-peptide is a blood or urine test which is used to monitor and assess the insulin(hormone that controls the body’s glucose level) production by the beta cells of the pancreas. It also helps in determining if a person has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. 

Why did my doctor suggest me to undergo C-Peptide Test?

Your doctor has suggested the C-Peptide test to:
Diagnose the cause of low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia.
Determine if the treatments of diabetes are working.
Check on the condition of a pancreatic tumour.
Diagnose if you have insulin resistance.
Determine if it is type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Assess if your body is producing the required amount of insulin.

C-Peptide Test is also suggested after the pancreas removal in a person.
 

When do I need to take a C-Peptide test?

If your symptoms are indicative of hypoglycemia, it is highly recommended to take a C-Peptide Test. the most common symptoms of hypoglycemia are listed below:

Sweating
Heart palpitations
Excessive hunger
Nervousness or irritability
Confusion
Blurred vision
Fainting
Seizures or loss of consciousness

What are the preparations needed for the C-Peptide Test?

8-10 hours of fasting is needed prior to the C-Peptide test.
For 10-12 hours there should be no intake of water as well before the test.
For the urine test, ask your doctor for the specific preparations needed.
Inform your doctor about all your present medications and supplements.
Your doctor might ask you to stop a few medications which can influence the insulin level in the blood.

What is the procedure of the blood test for C-Peptide?

For the C-Peptide test to be conducted, a blood sample has to be collected by the venipuncture procedure. The procedure is as follows:
A tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to make the veins more prominent.
A syringe or needle is used to draw blood by puncturing the vein.
The blood is drawn into the tube of the syringe.
The tourniquet is unwrapped.
An antiseptic is applied to the spot of venipuncture to avoid any infection.
The spot of injection of the syringe is dabbed by a cotton swab or a bandage is put to stop any further bleeding.
The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for the C-Peptide test.

What is the procedure of the urine test for C-Peptide?

In the case of a urine test for the C-Peptide test, the doctor suggests collecting the urine samples over a time period of 24 hours. The laboratory professional will give you the containers in which you have to store your urine samples. You will be provided with the guidelines associated with the storage of the urine samples in the containers. In a 24-hour urine sample test, generally, the following steps are followed:
Empty your bladder in the morning by excretion and flush that urine away. Note the time.
For the next 24 hours, collect all your urine passed in the container provided.
Store your urine containers in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice.
Return the sample container to your health provider’s office or the laboratory as instructed.

Is the C-Peptide Test procedure painful?

There’s no pain associated with the collection of the blood sample. A person might feel a pin pricking sensation for a very brief moment after the test. The pain wears off within a few hours.

What are the risks of C-Peptide Test?

There are no risks related to this test. The procedure of blood collection might have some risks associated with it:
Some people feel light-headed and dizzy after the blood is drawn.
It might cause Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin causing a lump or bruise).
There might be pain associated with too many punctures for finding a vein.

What is the price of the C-Peptide Test in India?

The price of the C-Peptide test in India ranges from Rs 1000 – 4000. It can vary with various locations around the country.

When will I get my results?

You will get your C-Peptide within 24 to 36 hours of the test itself.

What does my C-Peptide test result depict?

The clinical range of C-peptide in our body is 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL(nanograms per millilitre).
If your C-Peptide level is more than the clinical range, then it can lead to various severe conditions.
The lower C-peptide level indicates that the pancreas is not working properly. Thus there is no adequate production of insulin in the body.

What does it mean if I have a higher level of C-Peptide?

A higher level of C-Peptide in the body indicates the production of too much insulin. This overproduction of insulin leads to several conditions. Some of the most common conditions are listed below:
Type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance, a condition in which the body doesn’t respond the right way to insulin.
Cushing’s syndrome, an endocrine disorder in which your body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol.
Tumours in the pancreas, known as insulinomas.
Renal(kidney) disease.

What does it mean if I have a lower level of C-Peptide?

If you are having lower levels of C-Peptide, it indicates that the body not producing the required amount of Insulin needed.it might be a sign of one of the following conditions as listed below:
Type 1 diabetes
Addison disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands
Liver disease

Are pregnant women and lactating women suggested to undergo a C-peptide test?

A C-peptide test is highly recommended in the case of pregnant and lactating women since it helps in diagnosing the insulin levels. If the woman has diabetes, it even helps in determining the type of diabetes. The test poses absolutely no risk to the fetus. It is a completely safe test for the mother as well as the fetus.

Can my newborn undergo a C-Peptide test?

It is totally safe for a newborn to undergo the C-Peptide Test since it just involves the collection of a blood sample or the urine sample. The only risks associated are the minute risks of bruising and bleeding due to the venipuncture.

When should my kid undergo the C-Peptide test?

If your kid is showing any of the symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, the C-Peptide test is highly recommended. Some of the most common symptoms of hyperglycemia are:

– Dry, parched mouth
– Extreme thirst
– Frequent urination
– General weakness
– Fruity breath
– Nausea and vomiting
– Abdominal pain
– Deep, rapid breathing

Some of the most common symptoms of hypoglycemia are:

– Sweating
– Rapid pulse
– Shakiness, dizziness, weakness
– Decreased coordination
– Difficulty concentrating
– Blurred vision
– Headache
– Trouble performing routine tasks

What is the prevalence of diabetes in India?

8.7% of the Indian population between the age range of 20-70 years are suffering from diabetes. According to various reports, on an average 1 million deaths in India, every year are due to diabetes.