The C-peptide test is a simple test ordered by your physician to measure the level of C-peptide in the blood or urine. This test is commonly done to find out the causes of low glucose levels (hypoglycemia) and to differentiate between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, more than 37.3 million people have diabetes, and nearly 96 million people aged 18 years or older have prediabetes in the US.
The article below covers all the significant topics that are related to the C-peptide test like C-peptide test cost, the purpose of the test, C-peptide normal levels, procedure, preparation, and risks of the C-peptide test.
- C-Peptide Test Cost.
- What is C-Peptide?
- Why is a C-Peptide test done?
- Symptoms of low C-Peptide Levels.
- The normal range of C-peptide levels.
- How is the C-Peptide Test done?
- Is there any preparation required before the test?
- Are there any risks in the test?
- What does the test result mean?
- Provider Locations.
For our readers, who are more interested in knowing the lipid panel test cost beforehand, we begin with that section.
How much does the C-peptide test cost?
C-peptide test cost ranges between $99 and $107 in different labs and facilities across the U.S. Compare the price, order your test online and visit the nearest lab during lab business hours. Complete the procedure and get the results in your email in 2 to 3 business days. Doctor consultation is also available for further treatment or any kind of medical advice.
The following table shows the C-peptide test cost at 2 of our partner laboratories (CLIA – Certified) network located across the U.S.
PersonaLabs
- Reports – 2 to 5 days
- The entire U.S. except for New York, New Jersey & Rhode Island
- Required to visit the lab
Starting from
$107
HealthLabs
- Reports – 1 to 3 days
- The entire U.S.
- Required to visit the lab
Starting from
$198
$99
C-peptide test cost with insurance
Most of the insurance companies in the US cover for C-peptide test costs. But, our C-peptide testing providers do not accept any health insurance. In case, if the insurance company accepts to reimburse you, on request, they can provide you with an itemized receipt containing all the details like the name and code of the test, and CPT code that is necessary for insurance reimbursement purposes.
We recommend you to check with your insurance company for reimbursement if you get tested with our C-peptide testing providers.
C-peptide test cost without insurance
Normally, the C-peptide test providers mentioned above do not accept insurance. You are required to pay out of your pocket. Even though they do not accept insurance, the C-peptide test cost offered by the above providers is the lowest.
The average C-peptide test cost without insurance is around $120. But, our average C-peptide test cost is only $99. You can contact the service provider for more information.
What is C-peptide?
C-peptide is a substance that is released into the bloodstream as a byproduct created when insulin is produced. Insulin is very important for the transportation of glucose into the body cells. So whenever insulin is released from the beta cells of the pancreas, equal amounts of C-peptide are also released. For each molecule of insulin released, there is a molecule of C-peptide.
C-peptide is an important marker of insulin production because C-peptide remains in the blood longer than insulin.
Why is a C-peptide test done?
The C-peptide test is also generally known as the “Insulin C-peptide test”. The C-peptide test is done to measure the level of c-peptide in the blood or urine. This test helps to find out the difference between type 1 diabetes (a type of diabetes where the pancreas makes little or no insulin) and type 2 diabetes (a type of diabetes where the body doesn’t use the insulin effectively). It is also used to diagnose the causes of hypoglycemia.
Sometimes, a C-peptide test is also ordered for the following conditions.
- To check the effectiveness of ongoing treatment for diabetes
- To diagnose insulinoma (a rare of neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas that is derived from beta cells)
- If you have undergone pancreatectomy (surgical removal of the pancreas)
- If you have undergone islet cell transplantation
- To check whether you have insulin resistance
Symptoms of Low C-peptide Levels
Your physician will order this test to rule out whether the C-peptide secretion is sufficient and at normal levels in the bloodstream. The following symptoms are caused due to low blood glucose levels.
- Sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Irregular heartbeat
- Excessive hunger
- Blurred vision
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Seizures and loss of consciousness (in severe cases)
Normal levels of C-peptide
The normal levels of C-peptide can vary from lab to lab. However, the normal C-peptide levels are within the range between 0.5 and 2.0 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter). The normal range may also be expressed as between 0.17 and 0.90 nmol/L (nanomoles per liter).
How is the C-peptide test done?
Generally, the C-peptide test is prescribed as a blood test. But C-peptide can also be measured using a urine sample.
1. C-peptide blood test
During this test, a lab technician or a phlebotomist will cleanse the area to be injected with a disinfectant liquid and wrap an elastic band around the upper arm to make the vein visible and pool with blood. He/she then injects a needle to draw a sample of blood and collects the sample in a test tube or a vial (a small glass container). After the blood is drawn, he/she will ask you to apply pressure on the injected area with a band-aid or a cotton ball to stop bleeding. The collected blood sample is then sent to the lab for further testing.
It takes less than 5 to 10 minutes to perform this test.
2. C-peptide urine test
For a C-peptide urine test, you may be asked to collect a urine sample over 24 hour period. This is called a 24-hour urine test. For the 24-hour urine test, you should empty your bladder in the morning and flush that urine away. Then, for the next 24 hours, you should collect the urine in the collection cup which will be provided by the lab. The collection cup should be stored in a cool place either in a refrigerator or in a cooler with ice. After 24 hours, return the collection cup in the lab as instructed.
Is there any preparation required before the test?
The preparation for a C-peptide test depends on the age of the person and the purpose of the test. In some cases, your physician will ask you to fast for at least 12 hrs before the test. He/she might also ask you not to consume alcohol and stop vitamin B7 (biotin) supplements for 24 hours before the sample collection because they can influence the C-peptide levels and result in an inaccurate diagnosis.
Are there any risks in the test?
There are no possible risks or complications in the C-peptide 24-hour urine test. But sometimes when the blood sample is drawn, you might feel dizziness, slight pain, bruise, or redness in the injected area for a very little period. If you have any abnormal bleeding in the injected area, inform your physician or phlebotomist immediately.
What does the test result mean?
If the C-peptide levels are high, it indicates the possibility of any of the following conditions.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Cushing’s syndrome (a disorder in which the body makes excess cortisol hormone)
- Insulinoma
- Kidney disease
- Low blood potassium
Elevated C-peptide levels may also be caused due to a certain class of diabetes drugs known as sulfonylureas. They are
- Glimepiride (Amaryl)
- Glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL)
- Glyburide (Glynase, Micronase)
- Tolbutamide
If your test results show low C-Peptide levels, it indicates the possibility of any of the following conditions.
- Type 1 diabetes
- Addison disease (a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient hormones)
- Liver disease
It also indicates that diabetes treatment is not working effectively.
The C-Peptide test results might also mean various other conditions. So it is very important to discuss the test result with your concerned physician.
If appropriate and necessary, your physician might order other tests like the A1c test and blood glucose test to confirm and rule out the diagnosis.
Providers Locations
The C-Peptide blood test can be done in any of the following locations by visiting the lab near you. To know the C-Peptide blood test cost, refer to the first section of the article.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
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