Differentiating between Type 1 Diabetes (autoimmune, where insulin and C-peptide production is low or absent) and Type 2 Diabetes (where C-peptide is normal or elevated in early stages due to insulin resistance). Assessing endogenous insulin during hypoglycemia episodes when insulinoma (pancreatic tumor) is suspected, as C-peptide will be inappropriately high despite low blood sugar. Determining whether a diabetic patient on insulin injections still has residual pancreatic secretion, which helps predict treatment needs and stability. Assisting in the diagnosis of unexplained hypoglycemia.

Adults or children newly diagnosed with diabetes, to accurately determine the type. Diabetic patients experiencing recurrent unexplained hypoglycemia episodes. Individuals suspected of having an insulin-producing tumor (Insulinoma). Type 2 diabetic patients being evaluated for potential transition to insulin therapy.

Hypoglycemia symptoms (shakiness, sweating, palpitations, confusion) in a person without diabetes or in a diabetic patient without a clear cause. Newly diagnosed diabetes with unclear type (especially in young adults or children). Need to assess remaining pancreatic function in a long-term insulin-dependent diabetic patient.

Fasting: 0.8 - 4.0 ng/mL or 0.26 - 1.32 nmol/L. Post-prandial / after glucose: can rise 2-4 times the fasting level. Low blood sugar + high C-Peptide: likely insulinoma (insulin-producing tumor). High blood sugar + low C-Peptide: indicates type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes with low insulin secretion. High blood sugar + high/normal C-Peptide: indicates early type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

C-Peptide Test Price | Lahalak Medical Platform

An accurate test measuring C-peptide levels to evaluate pancreatic function and differentiate between diabetes types, helping you develop an effective and personalized health management plan.

Scientific name: C-Peptide Test

A quantitative test that measures the level of C-peptide in blood serum or sometimes in urine. C-peptide is a short protein chain that separates from the proinsulin molecule during the production and storage of active insulin in pancreatic beta cells. It is secreted in equal amounts with the active insulin molecule (one-to-one). Its measurement is...

C-Peptide Test - Check Your Insulin Production

Service type Laboratory test (Blood)

Duration 10-15 minutes

Fasting 8-12 hours fasting

Included Services

C-Peptide Level Test
Consultation for results interpretation with an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist.
Personal support services from Lahalak

Medical Service Information

Purpose Test

Differentiating between Type 1 Diabetes (autoimmune, where insulin and C-peptide production is low or absent) and Type 2 Diabetes (where C-peptide is normal or elevated in early stages due to insulin resistance).
Assessing endogenous insulin during hypoglycemia episodes when insulinoma (pancreatic tumor) is suspected, as C-peptide will be inappropriately high despite low blood sugar.
Determining whether a diabetic patient on insulin injections still has residual pancreatic secretion, which helps predict treatment needs and stability.
Assisting in the diagnosis of unexplained hypoglycemia.

Recommended groups

Adults or children newly diagnosed with diabetes, to accurately determine the type.
Diabetic patients experiencing recurrent unexplained hypoglycemia episodes.
Individuals suspected of having an insulin-producing tumor (Insulinoma).
Type 2 diabetic patients being evaluated for potential transition to insulin therapy.

Symptoms indicative

Hypoglycemia symptoms (shakiness, sweating, palpitations, confusion) in a person without diabetes or in a diabetic patient without a clear cause.
Newly diagnosed diabetes with unclear type (especially in young adults or children).
Need to assess remaining pancreatic function in a long-term insulin-dependent diabetic patient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Insulin: Measures active insulin in the blood, whether produced by the body or injected. In insulin-treated patients, it cannot distinguish between endogenous and exogenous insulin.
C-Peptide: Measures only insulin naturally produced by the pancreas, since it is released alongside endogenous insulin and is absent in injected insulin. Therefore, C-Peptide is more accurate for assessing pancreatic function.
Advanced type 1 diabetes.
Late-stage type 2 diabetes after beta-cell exhaustion.
Severe chronic pancreatitis.
This is abnormal and concerning. Normally, insulin secretion should decrease when blood sugar is low.

Normal Levels

Fasting: 0.8 - 4.0 ng/mL or 0.26 - 1.32 nmol/L.
Post-prandial / after glucose: can rise 2-4 times the fasting level.
Low blood sugar + high C-Peptide: likely insulinoma (insulin-producing tumor).
High blood sugar + low C-Peptide: indicates type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes with low insulin secretion.
High blood sugar + high/normal C-Peptide: indicates early type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

Conditions & Notices

• Fasting is usually required (8–12 hours) for a baseline measurement. The physician may also request a sample after eating or after glucagon injection to test the stimulatory response.
• The laboratory should be informed if the patient injects insulin. This does not affect the C-peptide result but is important for interpretation.
• For assessing hypoglycemia, samples should be taken during the episode (or as close to it as possible) to measure C-peptide, glucose, and insulin simultaneously.
• The sample is collected in a serum tube (red or yellow cap).