C Peptide Test
Dr. Sreelekha DaruvuriLast Updated on 21st March 2022Table of contents
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What is the C Peptide test used for?
C Peptide test is typically used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes differentially. In type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin – therefore, no insulin so no or very low amounts of C peptides will be observed. In type 2 diabetes, the body does produce insulin but cannot utilise it properly. Therefore, C Peptides will be detected and may even be higher than usual as insulin is not properly utilised. The test may also be used to:
- Determine the causes of low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia.
- Evaluate the treatment modality for diabetes
- Check on the status of a pancreatic tumour, which may affect insulin production
What is included in the C Peptide test?
C peptide test is an analysis of the normal pancreatic function of the body. It includes the analysis of the levels of C Peptides in the blood, which help determine the amount of insulin in the blood indirectly. C Peptide test may be included with other pancreatic function tests in a collective health package.
Procedure for C Peptide test
The C Peptide test is very easy. All it requires is your blood sample, which will be analysed for the presence of C Peptides. You maybe required to fast for at least 8-10 hours before giving the blood sample for more accurate results.
Our phlebotomist will arrive at your doorstep in your preferred slot to collect the sample. Once the sample is collected, the lab technician will process it further to extract the serum out of the blood. This serum is evaluated for C peptides, which are later quantified.
How to prepare for the C Peptide test?
Like other blood sugar tests, the C Peptide test may require you to fast for at least 8-10 hours before giving the sample. This is required to obtain more accurate results. To avoid any inconvenience due to this fasting, you can opt for an early morning slot before consuming breakfast. Our lab technician will arrive during your scheduled slot to collect the sample. Other than that, no special preparation is required. However, inform your healthcare provider about any current medicine regimens you are on.
Things to consider after the C Peptide test is complete
After your C Peptide test, you can go back to your routine. There are no special requirements to be considered. The reports will be delivered to your doorstep if you have opted. Once you receive them, make use of the free consultation you will receive when you book the test using MFine and speak to a senior doctor about the implications of your results.
What types of infection can the C Peptide test detect?
The C Peptide test can detect diabetes and is typically used to distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Other than that, it is also used to
- Screen for optimal functioning of the pancreas
- Diagnose a tumour called insulinoma
- Monitor the efficiency of treatment for Insulinomas
- Check for potential relapse of the tumours
- Monitor the activity of transplanted pancreatic cells
- Diagnose Metabolic Syndrome or Insulin Resistance
- in diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome
- monitor renal failure
How much does a C Peptide test cost?*
C Peptide test can cost anywhere between 600 and 2000 rupees in India. Private hospitals may typically show higher values than government facilities. You can opt for collective health care packages such as comprehensive health packages or advanced health packages to save cost on this test.
C Peptide Test in Ahmedabad | Rs. 750 – Rs. 1050 |
C Peptide Test in Mumbai | Rs. 525 – Rs. 1080 |
C Peptide Test in Kolkata | Rs. 750 – Rs. 1260 |
C Peptide Test in Gurgaon | Rs. 750 – Rs. 1260 |
C Peptide Test in Noida | Rs. 600 – Rs. 980 |
C Peptide Test in New Delhi | Rs. 299 – Rs. 1050 |
C Peptide Test in Bangalore | Rs. 600 – Rs. 1260 |
C Peptide Test in Chennai | Rs. 750 – Rs. 1050 |
C Peptide Test in Lucknow | Rs. 299 – Rs. 870 |
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for the C Peptide test?
You can expect to get the results for the C Peptide test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal C Peptide test results indicate?
C Peptide test results are measured in nanograms/millilitres (ng/mL) or nanomoles/millimetres (nmol/mL). The normal range for a C Peptide test is between 0.51 to 2.72 ng/mL or 0.17 to 0.9 nmol/mL.
Abnormal C Peptide test results indicate the presence of a disorder with insulin levels.
If your C-peptide level is higher than normal, it can mean that your body produces too much insulin, indicating a metabolic disorder with insulin.
However, some other causes of a high C peptide level include:
- Tumours, known as insulinomas
- Insulin resistance
- Renal diseases
- Cushing syndrome, an endocrine disorder
Low C peptides are usually indicative of the hampered production of insulin. This may be due to:
- type 1 diabetes (people with type 1 diabetes have lower C peptide levels than people with type 2 diabetes)
- LADA, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults
- Impaired functioning of the pancreas
- Prolonged fasting
A class of diabetes drugs, known as sulfonylureas, can also raise your C-peptide levels. Therefore, always inform your healthcare provider about any current drug regimens to ensure they come to accurate conclusions.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.
Is C Peptide a definitive test?
C Peptide test is not a definitive test for the diagnosis of diabetes. However, other syndromes like endocrine disorders or renal diseases may need additional evidence provided by other tests.
How to read the C Peptide report?
The normal ranges for C Peptides vary from laboratory to laboratory due to differing standardizations. The accepted range in ng/mL is 0.51 to 2.72 ng/mL and in nmol/mL is 0.17 to 0.9 nmol/mL.
Certain medications like sulfonylureas, which are a class of diabetes drugs, can normally increase the levels of C Peptides. Therefore, medical history and current medicine regimens are important factors in making definitive C Peptide tests.
Levels below 0.6 ng/mL (0.2 nmol/L) are a sign of possible beta-cell failure and type 1 diabetes.
The levels may also be affected by fasting conditions or food consumption.
Condition | Normal range |
Fasting | 0.78-1.89 ng/mL or 0.26-0.62 nmol/L
|
1 hour after glucose load, or postprandial C Peptide levels | 5-12 ng/mL |
Your healthcare provider may also recommend urine C Peptide measurement in some cases. Such levels are measured over 24 hours. The normal range is 14 – 156 micrograms over 24 hours.
For a more accurate assessment and diagnosis, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider for interpreting your C Peptide test reports.
Why book the C Peptide test?
The C Peptide test is done to rule out how well your body produces insulin, the blood sugar-lowering agent inside your body. Insulin is produced along with C peptides, and they are typically produced simultaneously and in the same amount. Therefore, insulin levels can be determined by calculating the C peptide levels. Instead of C Peptide, Insulin is not calculated, as insulin metabolises easily and may fluctuate. C Peptides last much longer and can give a more accurate diagnosis.
Your doctor may advise this test under the following conditions:-
- To determine the levels of blood sugar-lowering agent formed by your body, which is insulin
- To differentiate among type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- To monitor treatment related to diabetes
- To monitor or diagnose certain endocrine disorders like Cushing or Addison’s syndrome.
- To diagnose the presence of Insulinoma tumour and monitor its treatment regimen
C Peptide test at home – how does it work?
The C Peptide test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with C Peptide?
There are no risks involved with conducting a C Peptide test. The sample is collected by pricking your vein, and blood is collected. The sample collection process may be more difficult in certain people due to differing sizes of arteries and veins. Some people may also experience
- Fainting or dizziness
- Heavy bleeding
- Blood buildup under the skin
- Puncturing of the skin
What can affect the results for C Peptide?
Consumption of food before giving the blood sample may show higher C Peptide levels as the body breaks down the food. In addition, certain diabetes drugs like sulfonylureas may also increase the levels of your C peptides. However, for more accurate assessments, it is recommended to share your medical history with the healthcare provider who will be better suited to answer this question.
For further assistance
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for C Peptide sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing mask gloves and frequently sanitising themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result and the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my C Peptide test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on the C Peptide test?
Usually, you can avail yourself up to a 50% discount on C Peptide through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
What is a C Peptide?
C Peptide is a peptide produced composed of 31 amino acids. It is released from the pancreatic beta cells during the production of insulin, which is the blood sugar-lowering agent in your body. However, the kidney mainly excretes it, and its half-life is 3-4 times longer than that of insulin. This means that C Peptide is metabolised slower than insulin while they are produced simultaneously and in equal quantities. Therefore, it is a better parameter for assessing the concentration of blood sugar-lowering agents in the body.
Who should get a C peptide done?
Men and women of all ages can undergo this test. It is normally performed as part of a routine check-up after consulting with a doctor. This test is done to determine the amount of blood sugar lowering agent in the body, insulin. The concentrations of this compound can help determine how well the body is producing insulin, which can help know about better sugar control.
What happens to your sample?
The sample is sent to our accredited labs of your choice (made during the booking) for further processing. Finally, the results of the same will be delivered to your doorstep.
What are some health care packages that include the C Peptide test?
Since C Peptide levels are a part of routine lab work-ups, they are often included in comprehensive lab packages. C Peptide test is included in the following healthcare packages by MFine:
- Advanced full body check-up – This has immunity parameters, organ health evaluation, urine analysis & deficiency checks along with C Peptide and other diabetes check-ups
- Comprehensive full body check-up for men – This test package has electrolyte profiles, urine analysis, diabetes, lipid profile, hormones analysis, and cancer screening checks. This test package is customised according to men and is a round-up of all routine tests recommended for men aged 18 and above.
- Comprehensive full body check-up for women – This test package has electrolyte profiles, urine analysis, diabetes, lipid profile, hormones analysis, and cancer screening checks. This test package is customised according to women and is a round-up of all routine tests recommended for women aged 18 and above.
What should be avoided before going for a C Peptide test?
You may need to fast for 8-12 hrs before the test. You must also avoid alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours as they may interfere with liver metabolism and pancreatic cells’ metabolism, affecting your C Peptide test results.
What C Peptide level tells you that you are diabetic?
C-peptide levels are associated with the type of diabetes. Typically, a C Peptide level of less than 0.2 nmol/l is related to type 1 diabetes. However, this range may be affected by varying parameters such as instrument type, medical history, or current drug regimens. For assessing your diagnosis of diabetes accurately, please consult a doctor.