The second but most important key to
understanding diabetes and to understanding blood glucose levels is to first
understand the C-Peptide test.
C-Peptide was discovered in
1967. Other names for it include:
Insulin C-Peptide, Proinsulin C-Peptide.
C stands for "Connecting" as in Connecting Peptide. C-Peptide comes from the production of the
insulin molecule in the beta islet cells of the pancreas and can be measured by
a blood test. C-Peptide is released in
equal amounts to the amount of natural endogenous (internal source)
insulin. Bottled insulin (exogenous –
external source), I am told, does not contain C-Peptide. The test for C-Peptide has been around for a
long time.
It has been my experience that
doctors have been more concerned with blood glucose control than with the cause
of elevated blood glucose levels.
Therefore I conclude that they unscientifically assume that insulin
users have no or few Beta cells or beta cell function in their pancreas. Doctors do not use the C-Peptide test, and
when they do, they don't understand the results because of what they
assume. Diabetics may have only done
one C-Peptide test in their lifetime.
This test is simply used infrequently.
C-Peptide levels change continually in relation to a blood glucose load.
I have noticed two facts that really
troubled me.
1. Whenever I look up any information about diabetes, there is no
mention of the C-Peptide test, nowhere, not in bookstores, not in the
libraries, not on the web, not even in the medical books on diabetes that I have
read. I suspect that others would have
similar results. What is going on here?
2. Many sources tell diabetics they should eat carbohydrates. This is wrong. So long as a diabetic maintains a normal blood sugar range of
80-120 mg/dl, and a healthy body weight, and gets proper nutrients, the body is
being nourished. Why then bombard the
system with extra sugar, which will require more insulin? The body is not a limitless dumping ground
where anything can be thrown in without consequences.
A heart doctor checks the heart many different ways. A kidney doctor checks the kidney function
through many tests. Why then do doctors
and endocrinologists blame diabetes on the pancreas, and not check the
pancreas?