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C-Peptide Dynamics

Meaning

C-peptide dynamics describes the quantitative and temporal pattern of C-peptide secretion by the pancreatic beta cells, reflecting the endogenous insulin production capacity. C-peptide is a short polypeptide cleaved from proinsulin to yield mature insulin and is released into the bloodstream in equimolar amounts with insulin. Because C-peptide has a significantly longer half-life than insulin, its circulating levels offer a more stable and accurate clinical measure of true beta-cell function. Analyzing its dynamics is essential for distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and for monitoring residual endogenous insulin secretion.