Q: Dear Dr Sears
May I use the peptide-c determination to calculate hyperinsulinemia?
Nelson
A: Dear Nelson,
C-peptide is the breakdown product of insulin as it is secreted into the blood stream. Its presence only indicates that you are secreting insulin properly. Hyperinsulinemia is caused by the inability of insulin to bind to its receptor. You will need fasting insulin testing to determine if you have hyperinsulinemia. Another indication of hyperinsulinemia is an elevated TG/HDL level (greater than 4).