C-Peptide. . .what does this mean?

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I have just a quick question. My sugars have been " whacky " since about June.

They run real low. I have had them as low as 52, but only as high as 126 except

for one day. One morning my fasting BS was 168! Two hours later (I did not eat

anything) it went down to 102. Two hours after that it went down to 99. Two

hours after that (no eating), it went back up to 146. Two hours after dinner,

it dropped to 84.

Therefore, my doc ordered a fasting C-Peptide and it came back high. What does

this mean exactly? He wants me to see an endocrinologist.

Whoever knows what this means I would love to hear from you.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you every day!!!!!!

Thank you,

T. (Ohio)

[Guest guest]

,

Below is a portion of the information on the c-peptide test from Lab

Tests Online, one of our links.

**********************

High levels of C-peptide generally indicate high levels of insulin.

This may be due to excessive insulin production, a response to high

levels of blood glucose caused by glucose intake and/or insulin

resistance. (With insulin resistance, the body’s cells do not use

insulin normally to transport glucose inside the cell. The cells

become “starved for glucose,†interpret that as a lack of insulin, and

signal the body to make more.) High levels of C-peptide also are seen

with insulinomas and may be seen with hypokalemia, pregnancy,

Cushing’s syndrome, and renal failure. During a glucose tolerance

test (GTT), there will often be a temporary 5 to 6 fold increase in

C-peptide levels.

Low levels of C-peptide are seen when insufficient insulin is being

produced by the beta cells or when production is suppressed by

exogenous insulin or with suppression tests that involve substances,

such as epinephrine. Diuretics and alcohol intake also may cause low

levels in some cases.

********************

Your appointment with the endocrinologist should get you all

straightened out. Usually Type 2 Diabetics show a high level of

insulin in their system because of their insulin resistance. Your CP

may have caused you to develop Type 2 Diabetes, but this is for your

doctor to determine.

I have Type 1 Diabetes, which is another story, because I require

insulin to live, and inject it several times daily. Type 2 Diabetics

control their diabetes with exercise, diet and oral medication. In

spite of the differences, I'd be happy to help you with whatever I

can. Let us know what the Endocrinologist has to say.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

Sc State & SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments and advice are based on personal experience or

opinion only, and should not be substituted for professional medical

assistance.