Insulin C-peptide

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C-peptide is measured to differentiate insulin produced by the body from insulin injected into the body. When insulin is synthesized by the beta cells of the pancreas, it is produced as a large molecule (a propeptide). This molecule is then split into two pieces: insulin and C-peptide. The function of C-peptide is not known.

The C-peptide level may be measured in a patient with type 1 diabetes to see if any insulin is still being produced by the body. It may also be measured in the evaluation of hypoglycemia  (low blood sugar) to see if the person's body is producing too much insulin.

Review Date: 02/27/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.