C-peptide testing ...

[foxl]

Okay, I think my control may be deteriorating. I had H1N1 in ... the week of 10/11, so a month ago, followed by sinusitis that I really got rid of last weekend but my blood sugar is still high.

I last had a C-peptide in May. Isn't it arguably time for another, the end of this month when I see my Endo?

How often does your Endo check C-peptide on you, with LADA or adult-onset Type 1? Or is only per your blood sugars that they decide to check again .... ?

[cherokee_psh]

I'm sorry you have been ill. That could explain some of the craziness to your readings. I've never had a c-peptide but from what I've read, it seems like it is a test that needs to be repeated. If they do not repeat it how else would they determine exactly what your body is or is not doing?

[dbc]

Never had one done. I understand it is a rather expensive test that doesn't necessarily 'add value' to the diabetes management process, but can be useful in the initial diagnosis stage. (Correct me if I am under the wrong impression here!)

So some doctors get it done, some don't - mine is in the latter camp. I'm pretty sure my pancreas doesn't produce anything anymore, so the test won't add much/any useful information for me at this stage. As always, YMMV.

[Grunch]

How often does your Endo check C-peptide on you, with LADA or adult-onset Type 1? Or is only per your blood sugars that they decide to check again .... ?

My endo doesn't do c-peptide after knowing the person is T1. She says we're just going to see a low number so what's the point?

C-pep just helps you determine if you have type 1 or 2. The actual number is not important. So if you already know it's low seeing an even lower number shouldn't make a difference.

The decision to go on insulin and changes in dose should be based on blood sugars, not c-pep.

[Richard157]

The Joslin Medalist Study has examined over 400 Type 1 diabetics who have had diabetes for 50 years or more. A very thorough study is done, including a C-peptide test. A significant number of those examined have been found to have a C-peptide of 0.6 or greater. This means that those participants still produce some insulin as well as C-peptide. This is an amazing discovery? Who would have thought a Type 1 could still produce some insulin and C-peptide after 50 years of diabetes? It is no coincidence that these individuals do not have any serious diabetes complications. C-peptide protects us from the diabetes complications involving the eyes, kidneys and nervous system.

I will be participating in the study on Nov 30. They are looking for a total of 750 participants who are USA citizens. Their deadline is in 2011. I am honered to take part in the study. They are paying for my transportation and lodging (funded by Eli Lily). The study is also free, it is funded by the JDRF.

My wife and I will be meeting some of the Boston area diabetics on the evening of Sunday, Nov 29. They are members of some of the sites where I post.

[kingleonidas]

Good luck and God bless you for participating. I wish you the nest of luck for yourself, andall those afflicted by diabetes. I pray that the cure, if not better and more efficient treatments, come to light quickly !! Please let us know how it turns out !

[rzrbks]

c-peptide costs $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I haven't had one mostly cause the CDEs and PCPs I work with don't really care.

I'm insulin dependent, need basal insulin and bolus insulin, for all practical purposes a 1 so who really cares if I'm 1, 1.5, or 2. If the treatment is the same?

Just do what it takes to control YOUR Diabetes.

Call it Heathcliff instead of Diabetes if you want.

What's the latest A1c for your Heathcliff?

Do you use insulin for your Heathcliff?

Make sure you don't have Heathcliffic complications by controlling your Heathcliff.

[foxl]

c-peptide costs $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I haven't had one mostly cause the CDEs and PCPs I work with don't really care.

I'm insulin dependent, need basal insulin and bolus insulin, for all practical purposes a 1 so who really cares if I'm 1, 1.5, or 2. If the treatment is the same?

Just do what it takes to control YOUR Diabetes.

Call it Heathcliff instead of Diabetes if you want.

What's the latest A1c for your Heathcliff?

Do you use insulin for your Heathcliff?

Make sure you don't have Heathcliffic complications by controlling your Heathcliff.

It DOES? Well then why was my Internist so quick to do one for me??? But not GADAs?

[rzrbks]

Probably, CYA + if Ins will pay for it, then some Drs. will order it up.

Having spent much time and 6+ years visiting with people here and studying everything I could for first 2-3 years, I don't see that it matters, but then I have sot of a Laissez faire attitude about what you got. The important thing is controlling your Heathcliff.

If you're not on insulin, then do meds, eating, and exercise.

If you are on insulin, basal with extreme deliberation, count carbs, inject properly, and bolus well.

And in both cases, test as much as Ins Overlords will allow.

[foxl]

If you're not on insulin, then do meds, eating, and exercise.

If you are on insulin, basal with extreme deliberation, count carbs, inject properly, and bolus well.

And in both cases, test as much as Ins Overlords will allow.

Sage advice ... and I LOVE the Insurance Overlords!!!

[Rekarb]

Hi Linda

I'm glad you survived. H1N1 (medical friends call it "hiney" for short.) It seems to hang about for a good bit, usually some sort of cough - at least in people 50 or older. So you could still be having some sort of hangover effect.
I'm due to take another c-peptide this December. My endo said something about the tests needing to be at least six months apart. The reason for testing the c-peptide again is to see if it has gone up now that my glucose toxicity has gone down.
Could any of the things you are seeing have anything with going off Actos?

Mike

[foxl]

Hi Linda

I'm glad you survived. H1N1 (medical friends call it "hiney" for short.) It seems to hang about for a good bit, usually some sort of cough - at least in people 50 or older. So you could still be having some sort of hangover effect.
I'm due to take another c-peptide this December. My endo said something about the tests needing to be at least six months apart. The reason for testing the c-peptide again is to see if it has gone up now that my glucose toxicity has gone down.
Could any of the things you are seeing have anything with going off Actos?

Mike

I thought about Actos, but went off it in August. I have increased my (resumed) exercise, and my numbers are coming down. I suspect it was a combination of illness and being sedentary ... and MAYBE my antibiotic (gotta go google that though -- seems odd). I finished my Antibiotic Saturday morning and first noticed my numbers decreasing, Sunday afternoon ...

Dunno, probably never will, but jsut glad they ARE down!

Anyone having lingering effects from H1N1, especially with colored nasal discharge or sputum, GET ANTIBIOTICS. You do not want it going into bronchitis.

[flowerbabe68]

What a great morning!!!!! Found 2 great phrases I had never heard before. H1N1=HINNEY AND INSURANCE OVERLORDS. I must admit it doesn't take much to entertain me some days. Thanks again for the smiles.