C-Peptide, Serum Test
The principal use of
C-peptide is in the evaluation of hypoglycemia. Patients with insulin-secreting
neoplasms have high levels of both C-peptide and endogenous insulin; in contrast,
patients with factitious hypoglycemia will have low C-peptide levels in the
presence of elevated (exogenous) serum insulin. C-peptide is also useful in
evaluating residual beta cell function in insulin-dependent diabetics, many
of whom have antibodies that interfere with insulin assays. Glucagon-stimulated
C-peptide concentration has been shown to be a good discriminator between
insulin-requiring and noninsulin-requiring diabetic patients. The diagnosis
of islet cell tumor is supported by elevation of C-peptide when plasma glucose
is < 40 mg/dL.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Private MD Lab Services
offers the following test for C-peptide, serum:
