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Detection of C-Peptide in Urine as a Measure of Ongoing Beta Cell Function

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Type-1 Diabetes

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1433))

Abstract

C-peptide is a protein secreted by the pancreatic beta cells in equimolar quantities with insulin, following the cleavage of proinsulin into insulin. Measurement of C-peptide is used as a surrogate marker of endogenous insulin secretory capacity. Assessing C-peptide levels can be useful in classifying the subtype of diabetes as well as assessing potential treatment choices in the management of diabetes.

Standard measures of C-peptide involve blood samples collected either fasted or, most often, after a fixed stimulus (such as oral glucose, mixed meal, or IV glucagon). Despite the established clinical utility of blood C-peptide measurement, its widespread use is limited. In many instances this is due to perceived practical restrictions associated with sample collection.

Urine C-peptide measurement is an attractive noninvasive alternative to blood measures of beta-cell function. Urine C-peptide creatinine ratio measured in a single post stimulated sample has been shown to be a robust, reproducible measure of endogenous C-peptide which is stable for three days at room temperature when collected in boric acid. Modern high sensitivity immunoassay technologies have facilitated measurement of C-peptide down to single picomolar concentrations.

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Acknowledgements

Tim McDonald is a National Institute of Health Research CSO funded scientist. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, or the Department of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Blood Sciences, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK

    T. J. McDonald & M. H. Perry

  2. University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Building, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK

    T. J. McDonald

Authors
  1. T. J. McDonald
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  2. M. H. Perry
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to T. J. McDonald .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom

    Kathleen M. Gillespie

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McDonald, T.J., Perry, M.H. (2016). Detection of C-Peptide in Urine as a Measure of Ongoing Beta Cell Function. In: Gillespie, K. (eds) Type-1 Diabetes. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1433. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/7651_2016_330

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/7651_2016_330

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-3641-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-3643-4

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