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What is the function of C peptides?

Published in Medicine 2 mins read

C peptides are small protein fragments that are released during the process of insulin production. They have no known direct biological function.

The Role of C Peptides in Insulin Production

C peptides are produced alongside insulin in the beta cells of the pancreas. Insulin is a vital hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. The process of insulin production involves the following steps:

  1. Preproinsulin: A larger precursor molecule is initially produced.
  2. Proinsulin: Preproinsulin is cleaved into proinsulin, which contains the A, B, and C chains.
  3. Insulin and C peptide: Proinsulin is further cleaved into active insulin (A and B chains) and the C peptide.

Significance of C Peptide Measurement

While C peptides have no known direct biological function, they are clinically significant for several reasons:

  • Monitoring insulin production: C peptide levels in the blood directly reflect the amount of insulin being produced by the pancreas. This is useful for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like diabetes.
  • Differentiating between type 1 and type 2 diabetes: In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin, so C peptide levels are low. In type 2 diabetes, insulin production may be reduced or impaired, but C peptide levels may still be detectable.
  • Assessing insulin resistance: C peptide levels can help determine if the body is not responding properly to insulin (insulin resistance).

Examples of C Peptide Use

  • Diagnosis of diabetes: Low C peptide levels can help confirm a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
  • Monitoring treatment effectiveness: C peptide levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of insulin therapy in people with diabetes.
  • Assessing pancreatic function: C peptide levels can be used to assess the function of the pancreas in other conditions, such as pancreatitis.

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