Definition
This is a blood test that measures the amount of C-peptide, a subunit of the hormone insulin.
Alternative Names
C-peptide
Why the C-peptide is Performed
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.
How the C-peptide is Performed
Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. After the blood is collected, the band is removed to restore circulation. Then, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
For an infant or young child:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
How to Prepare for the C-peptide
The preparation for the test depends on the reason for the c-peptide measurement. Ask your health care provider if you should fast prior to the test. The health care provider may advise you to withhold medications that can interfere with test results.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the C-peptide Will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Risks
The risks associated with having blood drawn are:
- bleeding
- fainting or feeling lightheaded
- hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- multiple punctures to locate veins
Considerations
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Normal Results
0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter)
Normal ranges may differ by the laboratory of the health care provider.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Normal values in a patient requiring insulin injections indicate that the person's body is still producing some insulin. Normal values in a patient who has low blood sugar indicate that the patient is making too much insulin.
Low values (or no Insulin C-peptide) indicate that the person's pancreas is producing little or no insulin.
