C-Peptide Test

C-Peptide Test:

The C-Peptide Test is used to evaluate the production of insulin in response to sugar intake, and is an important tool for determining how well the body is maintaining blood sugar levels.

Preparation

No preparation is required for this test. You will be asked to fast for 8-12 hours before the test.

Procedure

The procedure is simple; a blood sample is taken from the arm and sent to the laboratory. After analyzing the sample, results are generally available within two to three days.

Types of C-Peptide Test

There are two types of C-Peptide tests: fasting and random. The fasting test is generally used to measure the amount of C-Peptide in the blood when an individual has not consumed food for a period of eight to twelve hours. The random test is used to measure the amount of C-Peptide in the blood without any other type of fasting.

Risks

A C-Peptide test is a safe and painless procedure. There are no serious risks associated with the test.

Why Do a C-Peptide Test?

A C-Peptide test is an important tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes, as it can indicate whether the body is producing insulin on its own, or whether one is dependent on exogenous insulin (i.e. injections). C-Peptide testing can also be used to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

When is a C-Peptide Test ordered?

A C-Peptide test is commonly ordered in conjunction with other tests such as a glucose test. This is done to gain an understanding of how well the body is managing its sugar levels, and is especially important for individuals with diabetes. It is also used to help diagnose pre-diabetes and to assess overall insulin production.