Assessment of insulin secretion and differentiation between endogenous and exogenous hyperinsulinemia.
This test measures the ratio between insulin and C-peptide levels in the blood. Since both are secreted in equimolar amounts from the pancreas, the ratio helps determine whether excess insulin is due to natural pancreatic secretion or external insulin administration. A high insulin with low C-peptide suggests exogenous insulin use, while elevated insulin with elevated C-peptide indicates endogenous secretion.
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How our test process works!
Overview:
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This test measures the ratio of insulin to C-peptide in blood.
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Both are secreted in equimolar amounts from the pancreas, but C-peptide has a longer half-life.
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The ratio helps differentiate between endogenous (body-produced) and exogenous (injected) insulin.
Risk Assessment
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High ratio → Suggests exogenous insulin use (since insulin is high but C-peptide is low).
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Low ratio → Suggests endogenous hyperinsulinemia (e.g., insulinoma, sulfonylurea use).
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Helps in evaluating hypoglycemia causes and monitoring beta-cell function.
Normal Range:
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Insulin to C-peptide ratio: < 1 (generally considered normal).
Interpretation:
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Ratio > 1 → Often indicates exogenous insulin administration.
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Ratio < 1 → Suggests endogenous insulin secretion (insulinoma, sulfonylurea effect).
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Interpretation should always be correlated with clinical findings and other lab results.
Sample Type:
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Venous blood (serum or plasma).
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Sample collected during hypoglycemia for best diagnostic accuracy.
Frequently Asked Question
Insulin to C-Peptide Ratio
Assessment of insulin secretion and differentiation between endogenous and exogenous hyperinsulinemia.
This test measures the ratio between insulin and C-peptide levels in the blood. Since both are secreted in equimolar amounts from the pancreas, the ratio helps determine whether excess insulin is due to natural pancreatic secretion or external insulin administration. A high insulin with low C-peptide suggests exogenous insulin use, while elevated insulin with elevated C-peptide indicates endogenous secretion.
Covid Safety
Assured
Free Report
Counselling