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Evaluating C-peptide Levels in Children with Type 1 Diabetes and Its Association with Anthropometric and Clinical
Raha Sahraian1, Anis Amirhakimi2, Parnia Kamyab2
1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Insights
Lower C-peptide levels in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) correlate with worse glycemic control and longer disease duration. This suggests C-peptide supplementation may improve outcomes in T1DM management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Diabetes Research
- Metabolic Disease Studies
Background:
- C-peptide, a byproduct of insulin production, has physiological roles in glucose stabilization and tissue protection.
- Its therapeutic potential in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) for preserving beta-cell function and glycemic control is under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between serum C-peptide levels and clinical parameters in pediatric patients with T1DM.
- To assess the relationship between C-peptide levels, disease duration, and glycemic control (HbA1c).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 69 pediatric T1DM patients (disease duration < 2 years excluded).
- Collected anthropometric data, HbA1c, and serum C-peptide levels.
- Analyzed data using Spearman's correlation and linear regression.
Main Results:
- Serum C-peptide levels were inversely correlated with disease duration (ρ=-0.433, P<0.001) and HbA1c (ρ=-0.404, P<0.001).
- HbA1c and disease duration were significant predictors of C-peptide levels (P<0.05).
- No significant associations found between C-peptide and age, weight, height, or BMI.
Conclusions:
- Reduced C-peptide levels are linked to poorer glycemic control and longer disease duration in pediatric T1DM.
- C-peptide supplementation may be a viable therapeutic strategy for preserving beta-cell function and improving T1DM outcomes.
- Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of C-peptide therapy.
Background:
C-peptide, a byproduct of insulin production, plays significant physiological roles, including stabilizing blood glucose levels and protecting tissues. Its potential therapeutic role in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management remains underexplored, particularly in preserving β-cell function and improving glycemic control.
Materials And Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 69 pediatric patients with T1DM at Bo Ali Diabetes Clinic, Shiraz, Iran, from December 2022 to April 2023. Patients with a disease duration less than 2 years or metabolic comorbidities were excluded. Anthropometric measurements, HbA1c, and serum C-peptide levels were collected after three months of dietary counseling and insulin adjustment. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation and linear regression.
Results:
The study population consisted of 69 children (mean age: 11.92 ± 3.65 years; mean disease duration: 63.13 ± 33.16 months). Serum C-peptide levels (mean: 87.02 ± 73.89 pmol/L) were inversely correlated with disease duration (ρ=-0.433, P0.001) and HbA1c (ρ=-0.404, P=0.001). Regression analysis confirmed that both HbA1c and disease duration were significant predictors of C-peptide levels (P0.05). However, no significant associations were observed between C-peptide and age, weight, height, or BMI.
Conclusion:
Reduced C-peptide levels are correlated with poorer glycemic control (greater HbA1c) and longer disease duration in children with T1DM. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of C-peptide supplementation as a potential therapeutic strategy to preserve β-cell function and improve long-term outcomes in T1DM management. Longitudinal studies are warranted to further evaluate its efficacy.
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