Abstract
C-peptide is a linker between the A- and the B- chains of insulin and, following enzymatic breakdown, is released into the circulation as a 31-amino acid chain in an equimolar amount with insulin. Serum C-peptide level in the plasma is independent of the administration of exogenous insulin and does not interfere with autoantibodies that are formed against it; therefore, for diagnostic purposes, its determination is much more reliable and accurate than that of insulin.
Originally used only in diagnosing, C-peptide is currently known for its endogenous effects. C-peptide may affect the degree and extent of vascular and nervous complications, its higher level prevents endothelial dysfunction and it also has analgesic effects.
These direct and indirect effects give rise to considerations about possible therapeutic use. In the year 2010, authorities in the field of diabetes published new recommendations for the diagnosis and screening that reflect the global pandemic of this disease, including the incidenc