C-peptide

From Free net encyclopedia

C-peptide is a peptide which is made when proinsulin is split into insulin and C-peptide. They split when released from the pancreas and is released into the blood - one C-peptide for each insulin molecule.

C-peptide is the abbreviation for connecting peptide. C-peptide was discovered in 1967. The first documented use of the C-peptide test was in 1972. It should not to be confused with c-reactive protein or Protein C.

Function

C-peptide functions in repair of the muscular layer of the arteries.

Use

• Newly diagnosed diabetes patient often get their C-peptide levels measured, to find if they are type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. The pancreas of patients with type 1 diabetes is unable to produce insulin and they will therefore usually have a decreased level of C-peptide, while C-peptide levels in type 2 patients is normal or higher than normal. Measuring C-peptide in patients injecting insulin can help to determine how much of their own natural insulin these patients are still producing.
• C peptide is also used for determining the possibility of gastrinomas associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasm syndromes (MEN 1). Since a significant amount of gastrinoma also include MEN which include pancreatic, parathyroid, and pituitary adenomas, higher levels of c-protein in addition to a gastrinoma may suggest other organs than just the stomach may include neoplasms.
• Can be used for identifying malingering: hypoglycemia with a normal or high C-peptide level may indicate abuse of sulfonylurea drugs or insulin.Template:Biochem-stub