What is C-Peptide Test: Normal Range and Levels

The evils of Diabetes are not unknown to anyone right now. Even in remote rural areas, people are getting alarmed by Diabetes. But, people are not serious about the evils of Diabetes and take it lightly. There are many tests to detect the type of Diabetes, the C Peptide test being one of the most common tests. 

According to the 2020 report of the International Diabetes Federation, nearly 77 million Indians are diagnosed with Diabetes. This huge number constitutes 8.9% of the total population. Also, India stands second on the list of Diabetic children (type 1) next to the USA. Furthermore, nearly 2% of death in India every year is caused by severe Diabetes. 

Unfortunately, the lack of proper awareness leads India to a horrifying global status. Currently, India contributes 17.5% of Diabetic patients in the world. It is expected that by 2045, the number of diabetic patients may rise from 77 million to 134 million. 

Therefore, it is high time that you must get aware of the evils and complications of Diabetes and enlighten others to take proper measures and treatments in future. 

What is C Peptide?

The pancreas releases C Peptide as a byproduct while producing Insulin. The amount of Insulin and C Peptide produced in the pancreas is the same. Generally, C Peptide has nothing to do with the blood sugar level of your body. 

However, Insulin regulates the blood sugar level. In type 1 diabetes, patients produce less Insulin than normal. Hence, they have to take Insulin or other medications. Again, Type 2 diabetic patients either pay extra Insulin or, again, very less that they cannot function to regulate their blood sugar level. In both cases, medications are important. 

What is a C Peptide Test?

The C Peptide test is a simple test conducted by pathologists. It is conducted to detect the level of C Peptide in your body. It can be accomplished by collecting either your blood or urine samples. The test is also known as Insulin C-peptide, Connecting peptide insulin and Proinsulin C-peptide in the medical field. 

What is the procedure for a C Peptide Test?

The procedure of a C Peptide test is simple. If your pathologist asks you to submit a urine sample, you need to collect your urine from the last 24 hours.

However, if they ask for a blood sample, you may have to fast for eight to twelve hours (no water intake). Sometimes, you might have to give blood samples after eating to detect the amount of c peptide released. 

Just visit a reliable pathology lab and get the correct instructions. 

Why should you do a C Peptide Test?

Now, you may think if C Peptide has nothing to do with Diabetes, why do doctors ask you for a C Peptide test? Since the amount of Insulin and C Peptide are equal, a C peptide test can detect the amount in your blood. Hence, the doctors learn about the exact amount of Insulin in your blood. Check the following points to understand the Purpose of a C Peptide test:

• To detect the C Peptide level.
• Check the Insulin level.
• Type of Diabetes (1 or 2).
• To check if the medicines are working.
• Whether your pancreas is producing any Insulin.
• Detects the cause of Hypoglycemia.
• Differentiates the amount of Insulin produced with and without medication.
• We may see the possibility of pancreatic cancer.

What is the normal range of C Peptide?

• Normally, the C Peptide level should range from 0.5 ng/ml to 2 ng/ml in a healthy human body.
• If your test results show that your C Peptide level is higher than normal, you may have Type 2 diabetes.
• However, a low C Peptide level may indicate low insulin production. 
• Moreover, your pancreas cannot produce Insulin if you see no C Peptide in your report. 

Potential complications 

Read the following points to know about the potential health issues:

High C Peptide level

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Insulinoma
• Kidney failure
• Hypokalemia
• Cushing syndrome
• Insulin resistance

Low C Peptide level

• Insulin medicine is not working
• Addison disease
• Liver failure

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

It would help to visit your doctor at least once two months after age 35. However, do not neglect the following symptoms:

• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vision problem
• Palpitation
• Increased hunger
• Indigestion
• Obesity
• Increased heart rate

Cost of a C Peptide Test

The cost of a C Peptide test in India is not much high. However, a reputed pathology centre may charge from 800 INR to 1300 INR for your C Peptide test. 

What Can You Do at Home?

You cannot resist your excess Insulin production or increase low production. However, you can follow the following steps every day to stay fit: 

• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Take your medications daily.
• Exercise regularly to keep your body weight in control.
• Stop consuming alcohol and tobacco.

Conclusion

In short, it is crucial to get alert to the growing menace of Diabetes. Diabetes may lead to serious health consequences like kidney diseases and multiple organ failure. Take good care of your health and visit a doctor at least once a month after reaching 35 years.

Metropolis Healthcare is one of India's leading diagnostic centres. Visit your nearest Metropolis Healthcare Centre for any pathological test and peptide test. They have a good reputation for satisfying their clients.

Some of the advantages of Metropolis Healthcare are as follows:

• Latest testing apparatus
• One-time sample collection
• Special attention to every patient
• Clean and sanitized labs
• Optimum safety measures maintained by the professionals
• An accurate and checked report in less than 24 hours

Final takeaway

• Follow the instructions of your doctor.
• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Regular exercise
• Regular checkups after 35
• Routine tests in Metropolis Healthcare as prescribed by the doctors