C-Peptide Test

Contents

This test determines the amount of C-peptide in a blood or urine (TEE) sample.Measuring C-peptide is a real way to find out how much insulin your body produces.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps blood sugar (blood glucose) into your cells, where it can be used for energy. This helps keep your blood sugar at healthy levels.

While making insulin, the pancreas makes C-peptide; C-peptide and insulin are in the bloodstream at the same time, simultaneously; C-peptide does not affect blood glucose levels, but it is literally easier to measure because it is maintained longer in the bloodstream than insulin.

C-peptide testing can provide powerful information to help you understand, control, and/or treat disorders related to how well your body produces insulin, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) and diabetes.

Other names: insulin C-peptide, insulin connecting peptides, probulin C-peptide

What is it used for?

The C-peptide test can be used for

Causes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels). Some forms of hypoglycemia are associated with high insulin levels; C-peptide analysis can tell you if there is very much insulin in your situation. Possible causes of hypoglycemia include
- Liver or kidney disease
- Malnutrition
- Drinking very large amounts of alcohol without eating
- Tumors of the pancreas (rare)
- Side effects of certain diabetes medications, including insulin.
Why is a C-peptide test needed?

You may need a C-peptide test if
- You are diagnosed with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) but do not understand what the cause is.
- You have diabetes and you:
  - You have used insulin and your supplier assesses the probability of setting healing.
  - You have diabetes 2 and would like to see if you need to use insulin
  - You have hypoglycemia, which can be caused by numerous diabetes medications.
  What happens during the C-peptide test?
  
  Blood samples are typically used for the C-peptide test. However, the test can also be performed on any urine sample collected in a 24-hour period.
  
  During the blood test, a care provider equipped with a small needle takes blood from a vein in the arm. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. Some pressure can be felt as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
  
  The 24-hour urine sample test will provide you with a special urine shelter and instructions on how to collect and store your sample. Your physician will tell you when to begin. The analysis usually consists of the correct procedure.
  - Urinate first in the toilet, as you usually do. Do not collect this urine. Note the time you peeed.
  - Collect all urine in a container within the next 24 hours.
  - Keep the urine container in the freezer for the collection period or in an ice cooler.
  - Remember to urinate 24 hours after the start of the test, if possible. This is the last collection of urine for testing.
  - Hand in the urine container as directed to your care provider’s office or laboratory.
  Do I need to prepare for the test?
  
  For the C-peptide blood test, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 8-12 hours for the test. Ask your own physician if there are specific instructions to follow before taking a blood or urine test.
  
  Were there any risks associated with the test?
  
  There are no sufficient risks associated with blood testing. There may be slight pain or bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs disappear quickly. There are no general risks associated with urine testing.
  
  What do the results mean?
  
  The meaning of your total will depend on your age, the presence of your well, the medications you use, and the results of other tests such as blood sugar tests. General:
  - A high content of C-peptide usually means that your body produces very high amounts of insulin. Situations that cause the highest insulin levels are
    - Type 2 diabetes.
    - Cushing’s syndrome.
    - Insulinoma, tumors of the pancreas.
    - Kidney failure.
    - Low potassium content in the blood.
    - Type 1 and possibly type 2 diabetes.
    - Treat diabetes by taking very high doses of insulin (more insulin than needed can block the pancreas with autonomously produced insulin).
    - Serious infections
    - Addison’s disease
    - Liver disease
    If you are being treated for an insulin-producing tumor of the pancreas, a decrease in C peptide means that your treatment is successful; an increase in C peptide means that the tumor has returned; a decrease in C peptide means that your treatment is successful; an increase in C peptide means that the tumor has returned; a decrease in C peptide means that your treatment is successful.
    
    If you have questions about your results, consult your Internet provider.
    
    Is there anything else I should know about the C-peptide test?
    
    The C-peptide test is not used to determine diabetes. Other tests, such as blood glucose and urine glucose, are used to screen for and diagnose diabetes.
    
    Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
    
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