AN OVERVIEW
About C-Peptide Fasting & Post-Prandial Test
Why is CPeptide Fasting & Post-Prandial test done?
The doctor generally gives a C-peptide test when they suspect you have diabetes but cannot understand if it’s type 1 or type 2. A C-peptide test is also prescribed if there are signs of low sugar in the blood (hypoglycaemia). The symptoms include the following:
- Sweating tremendously
- Irregular heartbeat
- Abnormal hunger
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Fainting or feeling dizzy
The C-peptide test has other applications as well. A C-peptide test is used to check if the diabetic treatments are working for a patient. It is also used to see the status of pancreatic tumours and whether the treatment is working or not.
What does the CPeptide Fasting & Post-Prandial test measure?
The C-peptide test is majorly used to estimate the insulin level inside the body. If a person is suspected of diabetes, this test is recommended. There are 2 types of diabetes, and the test helps to distinguish between them. In type 1 diabetes, the body produces little to no amount of insulin; hence there are no signs of C-peptide. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body isn’t able to use it to regulate blood sugar levels.
The primary thing to note here is that both insulin and C-peptide are made by the pancreas and released simultaneously in the same quantities. Since C-peptide tends to stay longer in the body than insulin, it gives an accurate measure of insulin level. There are two ways to take the test through the blood or through the urine. Both of these can give an accurate measure of C-peptide.
Risk/Side-effects of C-Peptide Fasting & Post-Prandial test
Generally, there is very little risk of any major symptoms inside the body. The person might feel slight pain (or some bruising) in the area where the needle has been pierced to take the blood. But those tend to disappear pretty quickly and not cause any major problems to the patient. In very rare cases, the patient might develop blood collection under the skin or infection at the site where the needle was pierced. But that is a very rare occurrence and nothing major to worry about. Even the urine test is harmless.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Are there any preparations needed for this test?
There are no major preparations needed for the test.
How is the sample taken?
The blood is taken from the arm. The area is cleaned with rubbing alcohol, and the technician takes blood precisely.
Are there any risks to the test?
There are minor risks that do not happen under general circumstances. The technicians just need to be a little careful.
How does the body get rid of diabetes?
By following a healthy diet, exercising, and taking the proper medication, diabetes can be eliminated.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the CPeptide Fasting & Post-Prandial Test Results
Low levels of C-peptide in the body means that the pancreas isn’t creating enough insulin. That could be a sign of:
- Type 1 diabetes (little to no insulin to regulate blood sugar levels)
- Addison disease (a disorder of adrenal glands)
- Liver disease (the liver not functioning properly or not making enough bile)
- Diabetes treatment not working
High levels of C-peptide could be an indication of the following conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes (insulin being produced but the body not using it to control glucose levels)
- Resistance to insulin (the body isn’t reacting accurately to the insulin that could raise blood sugar to very high levels)
- Cushing’s syndrome (body is making too much of cortisol, a hormone)
- A pancreatic tumour (either spreading or making a comeback in the body)
If the result comes positive, a doctor should be consulted immediately, and treatment should be started as soon as possible. Treating this at the initial stages increases the chances of the disease eradicating completely.
Book C-Peptide Fasting & Post-Prandial Test in Chandigarh
Starts from 300*
As the name suggests, the C-Peptide test in Chandigarh and other cities of India, measures the level of C-peptide in the blood or urine of a person. C-peptide is a substance that is made by the pancreas alongside insulin. Insulin is responsible for controlling the body’s sugar levels. Since both C-peptide and insulin are released by the pancreas simultaneously in the same quantities, measuring C-peptide gives an idea of the insulin level. In addition, the test is a good indicator of insulin since C-peptide tends to stay longer in the body.
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