I finally got my C-peptide test results on 8/8/17, and it only took me 4 tries from 3 different labs and 7 pokes to get it! Ha!
I let much time laps between tries to get this test done, and I now wish I had persisted more.
In my very basic understanding, C-peptide test measures the amount of c-peptide in the bloodstream which is at a 1:1 ratio of insulin in the bloodstream. Testing the level of insulin is unreliable, but the testing of c-peptide gives a much more accurate representation of how much insulin the body is producing.
When I had my fourth and final try to get this test done, I had been gluten-free, eating tons of veggies, and getting enough sleep for a couple months. Guess what the result was? Normal. No. Way. My level was 2.2 and the normal range is .8-3.9. Pretty darn close to right in the middle, eh?
My doctor was SUPER quick to assure me that she still thinks I have Type 1 diabetes so keep checking blood 3-4 times a day. They seem to have no idea why I don’t need additional insulin.
I know I have Type 1 diabetes. I see it in my blood glucose levels. I see it in how my body has reacted to eliminating gluten (an inflammatory and highly associated with autoimmune diseases). I find their response and ignorance highly frustrating.
Anyway…
Again, I really wish I knew what my c-peptide was at diagnosis, but I will be interested to see how it changes over time.
I just began to do research on this test today, so I don’t know very much yet. Here’s what I know:
- C-peptide will eventually cease in a Type 1 diabetic, usually within 5 years (sooner in children).
- C-peptide is not present in injected insulin so when the pancreas kicks the bucket completely there is no reason to continue to check the c-peptide levels.
- C-peptide is believed to be beneficial in preventing some of the long-term bad effects of diabetes.
- Prolonging the honeymoon period is advantageous.
That is what I’m trying to do, folks. Prolong this honeymoon period as long as possible. I think it’s working too. I’ve had some recent bumps in the road. I’ll hopefully write about those soon…
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