C-Peptide, Fasting in New Delhi

Yes, the sulphonylurea class of drug, which is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, can lead to an increase in C-peptide level. However, this happens if the beta cell reserve of the pancreas is enough. Examples of sulphonylurea drugs include Chlorpropamide, Glimepiride, Glipizide, Glyburide, and Tolbutamide.

In type 2 diabetes, there can be insulin resistance. To cope up with this resistance, the body produces and releases more insulin, which can also lead to beta cell damage. Type 2 diabetics usually are treated with oral drugs to stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin or decrease insulin resistance (cells to be more sensitive to the insulin that is already being made). Gradually, there can be beta cell damage to such an extent that type 2 diabetics may make very little insulin and require insulin injections. Any insulin that the body makes will be reflected in the C-peptide level. Therefore, the C-peptide test can be used to monitor beta cell activity and capability over time and to help a doctor determine when to begin insulin treatment.

If the test is to diagnose either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, an injection of glucagon may be given into the arm between two blood samples in an attempt to stimulate insulin production. Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus have low C-peptide levels on glucagon stimulation.

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.