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1 Parameters Included

The C-Peptide – Fasting, Serum test measures the level of C-peptide in your blood after fasting for at least 8 hours. C-peptide is a byproduct produced when the pancreas releases insulin. This test is often used to assess how much insulin the body is producing and can help distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Why You Need It:

• Assess Insulin Production: The C-peptide test helps evaluate the amount of insulin your pancreas is producing, as C-peptide is released in equal amounts to insulin when the pancreas secretes it.

• Differentiate Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: It helps determine whether the body is producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes typically involves little to no insulin production, while type 2 diabetes often involves insulin resistance with normal or even high insulin production.

• Monitor Insulin Secretion in Diabetes: For individuals already diagnosed with diabetes, this test can help assess how well the pancreas is functioning and producing insulin.

How It Works:

The C-peptide test is done after fasting for at least 8 hours (usually overnight). A blood sample is taken, and the level of C-peptide in the serum is measured. Since C-peptide is produced when insulin is secreted by the pancreas, it serves as an indicator of endogenous insulin production.

Normal Range:

• The typical reference range for C-peptide levels is 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter), but the range can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and individual health factors.

• Low C-peptide levels may indicate insulin deficiency, as seen in type 1 diabetes or pancreatic dysfunction.

• High C-peptide levels can indicate insulin resistance (common in type 2 diabetes) or excessive insulin production.

Why It’s Done:

• To Evaluate Insulin Production: The C-peptide test helps assess how much insulin is being produced by the pancreas, particularly useful when there is a need to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

• To Diagnose Insulin Resistance: In cases of type 2 diabetes, high C-peptide levels can indicate insulin resistance, where the body produces more insulin to overcome the body’s resistance to its effects.

• To Monitor Diabetes: For people already diagnosed with diabetes, this test provides insight into how well their pancreas is functioning and producing insulin, helping healthcare providers optimize treatment.