C Peptide Fasting Test

What does the C Peptide Test measure?

The C Peptide Test provides valuable information about your pancreatic function and insulin production:

• Insulin production assessment - Measures how well the beta cells in your pancreas are functioning.
• Diabetes type differentiation - Helps distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Hypoglycaemia investigation - Identifies the cause of dangerously low blood sugar levels.
• Treatment monitoring - Tracks the effectiveness of diabetes treatment over time.
• Pancreatic function evaluation - Assesses overall pancreatic health and insulin-producing capacity.

C Peptide Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for a C Peptide Test?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience symptoms related to abnormal blood sugar levels:

High blood sugar symptoms:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant hunger and fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or infections

Low blood sugar symptoms:

• Sweating and shakiness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness or confusion
• Irritability and intense hunger

Who should get a C Peptide Test?

The following groups may benefit from a C Peptide Test:

• Newly diagnosed diabetics - To correctly identify the type of diabetes for proper treatment planning.
• People with Type 2 diabetes - To monitor pancreatic function and determine insulin therapy needs.
• Individuals with recurring hypoglycaemia - To investigate the underlying causes of low blood sugar episodes.
• Patients with pancreatic conditions - To monitor treatment effectiveness or post-surgical recovery.

Why is a C Peptide Test done?

A C Peptide Test provides a more accurate measure of your body's own insulin production than direct insulin testing, especially for people already taking insulin injections. This helps doctors create personalised treatment plans based on your pancreatic function.

Importance of a C Peptide Test

The C Peptide Test is clinically significant because it provides vital information that guides personalised medical treatment. It offers diagnostic clarity by reliably differentiating between type 1 and type 2 diabetes: low C-peptide levels indicate type 1 diabetes requiring lifelong insulin therapy, while normal or high levels suggest type 2 diabetes where lifestyle changes and oral medications may be effective.

The test enables doctors to create tailored treatment plans, helping determine whether patients need insulin therapy or can manage their condition with other approaches. For type 2 diabetes patients, monitoring C-peptide levels over time with C Peptide Test normal range helps predict disease progression and pancreatic beta-cell function decline, ensuring timely treatment adjustments.

C Peptide Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book a C Peptide Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'C Peptide Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is home sample collection for C Peptide Test available near you?

Home sample collection for the C Peptide Test brings healthcare convenience right to your doorstep. Our trained and certified phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, following strict safety and hygiene protocols to ensure accurate sample collection. This service eliminates the need to travel to a lab, especially beneficial when fasting is required for 12 hours before the test.

How Long Does It Take to Get a C Peptide Test Report?

Reports are usually available within 6 hours once the sample reaches the lab.

Where can I see or get C Peptide Test results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting C Peptide Test Results

The following table shows how to understand C Peptide Test normal range, your test results and what different levels may indicate:

Conditions that May Affect C Peptide Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your C Peptide Test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Certain medications, particularly diabetes medicines like sulfonylureas and steroids, can affect C-peptide levels.
• Kidney disease may cause falsely elevated results due to reduced clearance.
• Dehydration can concentrate blood substances, potentially altering readings.
• Recent illness, stress, or significant dietary changes may also impact results.
• Additionally, the timing of food intake and insulin administration can influence C-peptide measurements, which is why fasting is typically required.

How is a C Peptide Test Done?

The C Peptide Test follows a standard blood collection procedure to ensure accurate results:

• A healthcare professional cleans the area on your arm with an antiseptic.
• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
• A small needle is inserted into a vein to collect small amount of blood.
• The blood sample is collected in a gel vacutainer tube.
• The needle is removed and a bandage is applied to the puncture site.
• Your sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• The entire procedure takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort.

How Should You Prepare for a C Peptide Test?

Proper preparation ensures accurate test results and a smooth testing experience:

• Fast for 12 hours - Avoid all food and drinks except plain water before the test
• Continue drinking water - Stay adequately hydrated with plain water during fasting
• Inform about medications - Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take
• Follow medication guidance - Your doctor may advise temporarily stopping certain diabetes medications
• Rest before testing - Remain in a rest condition during the fasting period
• Wear comfortable clothing - Choose clothes with sleeves that can be easily rolled up

Diseases that a C Peptide Test Can Help Detect

The C Peptide Test assists in diagnosing and monitoring several important health conditions:

• Type 1 diabetes - Characterised by very low or undetectable C-peptide levels
• Type 2 diabetes - Often shows normal or elevated C-peptide levels with insulin resistance
• Insulinomas - Pancreatic tumours that cause excessive insulin and C-peptide production
• LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) - A slowly progressing form of Type 1 diabetes
• Pancreatic dysfunction - Various conditions affecting insulin-producing beta cells
• Hypoglycaemia disorders - Conditions causing dangerously low blood sugar levels

C Peptide Test/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Metropolis Healthcare offers comprehensive diabetes testing packages that include the C Peptide Test along with other important assessments:

C-Peptide Test Price in Different Cities

The cost of a C Peptide Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities:

Reference:

•   Kit Insert
•   Maddaloni E, Bolli GB, Frier BM, Little RR, Leslie RD, Pozzilli P, Buzzetti R. C-peptide determination in the diagnosis of type of diabetes and its management: A clinical perspective. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022 Oct;24(10):1912-1926. doi:10.1111/dom.14785. Epub 2022 Jun 28. PMID: 35676794; PMCID: PMC9543865.
•   Novac C, Radulian G., et. al. Short Update on C-Peptide and its Clinical Value. Maedica (Bucur). 2019 Mar;14(1):53-58.
Greek, Modern. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2019.14.1.53.