Factors and pathogenetic significance of elevated C-peptide levels in the blood of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Saenko Ya. A.

ORCID: 0000-0003-1953-1066

DOI : https://doi.org/10.57105/2415-7252-2024-2-01

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by impaired insulin secretion against the background of insulin resistance. The phenotypic characteristics of patients with T2DM, including the presence of cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, diabetic neuropathy, and obesity, influence the pathogenesis and course of the disease. Assessing C-peptide levels as a marker of β-cell function is crucial for a personalized approach to treatment and evaluating the risk of complications in T2DM patients.

Objective: To determine the factors and pathogenic significance of normal and elevated C-peptide levels in the serum of patients with T2DM and to assess its impact on the development of complications.
Materials and methods: The study included 65 patients with T2DM (42 men and 23 women). Clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed, including glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and albuminuria. C-peptide levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc®, applying nonparametric tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Patients were divided into two groups based on their serum C-peptide levels: normal (0.929–3.73 ng/mL) and elevated (≥3.75 ng/mL). A comparative analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters, including anthropometric data, metabolic markers, renal and hepatic function, and telomere length, was conducted. Patients with elevated C-peptide levels had higher body weight, a greater prevalence of obesity, better glycemic control, but significantly shorter telomere length, suggesting accelerated biological aging and an increased cardiometabolic risk. These findings highlight the need for a personalized treatment approach for T2DM patients based on C-peptide levels. Conclusions: Patients with elevated serum C-peptide levels exhibit higher body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, indicating a greater prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance. They demonstrate better glycemic control (lower HbA1c levels) but have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Shorter telomere length in this group may indicate accelerated cellular aging, necessitating further research to develop personalized treatment approaches.

Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, C-peptide, phenotype, telomere length, cardiovascular complications

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Published
2025

How to Cite

Saenko Ya. A.(2025). Factors and pathogenetic significance of elevated C-peptide levels in the blood of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Obesity Metabolic Syndrome. 2(14), 34-41.