
Connecting Peptide

CP
Description
"Connecting Peptide" (C-Peptide) test measures the amount of C-peptide in your blood, a marker of how much insulin your pancreas is producing. It’s commonly used to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes or assess insulin production during treatment. Low levels may suggest reduced pancreatic function, while high levels can signal insulin resistance. Doctors use results to guide medication strategies, insulin therapy, or lifestyle changes. Ongoing C-peptide testing helps personalize care and monitor blood sugar control more accurately.
Test Category
Proteins
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Nanograms Per Milliliter | Nanomoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Complete Blood Sugar Group
Test Group Description
Complete Blood Sugar Group: This expanded group includes a more comprehensive set of tests, offering a thorough evaluation of diverse facets of blood sugar levels for a more detailed understanding of metabolic health.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 1.10–2.10 ng/mL
SI Unit: 0.36–0.69 nmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 0.40–2.10 ng/mL
SI Unit: 0.13–0.69 nmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Cushing's syndrome (overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands)
Gestational diabetes (diabetes that occurs during pregnancy)
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
Insulin resistance (reduced responsiveness of cells to insulin)
Insulinoma (a tumor of the pancreas that produces excessive insulin)
- ...
Key Reasons For Testing
Kidney Function: Offers insights into kidney health and guides management of renal conditions.
Diabetes Monitoring: Assesses pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion for managing diabetes.
Pancreatic Function: Evaluates disorders like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.
Insulin Resistance: Indicates resistance levels, helping assess metabolic health.
Cardiovascular Risk: Links elevated levels to a higher risk of heart disease.
Metabolic Syndrome: Detects early signs of metabolic issues, aiding prevention and management.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Yosten GL, Maric-Bilkan C, Luppi P, Wahren J. Physiological effects and therapeutic potential of proinsulin C-peptide. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2014;307(11).
[2] Wahren J, Ekberg K, Jörnvall H. C-peptide is a bioactive peptide. Diabetologia. 2007;50(3):503-509.
[3] Hills CE, Brunskill NJ. Intracellular signalling by C-peptide. Exp Diabetes Res. 2010;2010:176297.
[4] Sima AA, Li ZG, Sugimoto K, et al. C-peptide prevents and improves chronic Type I diabetic polyneuropathy in the BB/Wor rat. Diabetologia. 2001;44(7):889-897.
[5] Bhatt MP, Lim YC, Kim YM, Ha KS. C-peptide activates AMPKα and prevents ROS-mediated mitochondrial fission and endothelial apoptosis in diabetes. Diabetes. 2013;62(11):3851-3862.
[6] Forst T, Kunt T, Wilhelm A, et al. Biological activity of C-peptide on the microvascular blood flow in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Invest. 1998;101(9):2036-2041.
[7] Kitamura T, Kimura K, Jung BD, Makino H. Effects of proinsulin C-peptide on renal function and structure in rats with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2003;19(1):28-35.
[8] Lindahl E, Ström M, Forsberg K, Wahren J. Effects of C-peptide on renal function at rest and during exercise in patients with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 1999;22(5):803-808.
[9] Nordquist L, Palm F, Fasching A, et al. Proinsulin C-peptide and its renoprotective effects in diabetic kidney disease: studies on mechanisms and effects. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2014;30(1):47-55.
[10] Al-Rasheed NM, Channa ML, Wilson A, et al. Proinsulin C-peptide ameliorates vascular injury in diabetes: a focus on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling. J Diabetes Res. 2016;2016:5237487.
[11] Henriksen EJ, Teachey MK, Taylor ZC, et al. Proinsulin C-peptide improves glucose transport in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle via nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2011;27(2):249-256.
[12] Wahren J, Larsson C. C-peptide: new findings and therapeutic implications in diabetes. Clin Sci (Lond).2015;128(12):791-804.