C Peptide levels

[Duncan23]

Hi
I’ve been on insulin for a few months now for Type 1. I had a c peptide test a few months ago and the results were 121. I don’t understand what this means. I’ve not managed to see a diabetes consultant at all yet. The diabetes nurse I have seen is vague about this result. This is to test how much insulin I’m still producing naturally- but I’ve got no idea if my results are good or bad. Somebody on the forum mentioned a honeymoon period, is that the period where you still produce some insulin naturally?

 

[Inka]

Yes, the honeymoon period is soon after diagnosis and refers to your own insulin production. Sometimes starting insulin injections and lowering blood sugar can give your remaining beta cells a temporary boost so that they make small amounts of insulin. Gradually this declines and the honeymoon period ends.

There’s information about C Peptide levels here:

C-Peptide Exeter Clinical Laboratory International

www.exeterlaboratory.com

 

[Duncan23]

Thank you. Looking at the chart, that puts me in the intermediate category- or severely deficient depending on the type of test. I don’t remember having to fast for the test, but I can check that.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thank you. Looking at the chart, that puts me in the intermediate category- or severely deficient depending on the type of test. I don’t remember having to fast for the test, but I can check that.

Can you remember the time of day? And what/when you had previously eaten?

Typically T2 might be expected to have higher cPeptide in the early years as insulin resistance / inability to use home-grown insulin properly is often part of the initial T2 presentation.

 

[Duncan23]

I had the test mid morning, but had had my breakfast. The nurse said it didn’t matter either way- but now i see that it does make a difference. I was only diagnosed type 1 in January, after around a year of being treated for type 2 with Metformin, etc. The reason that I’m curious about the c peptide result is to try to work out how long I have actually had type 1 for. It may have been developing for some time before I noticed dramatic symptoms in Dec 2022.
I’ve never had any feedback about what the results mean. I may have to wait several months to see a consultant.
Maybe I should ask to be retested.