Yes, it is possible to interpret C-peptide levels in relation to insulin and glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), considering the provided values and HbA1c of 6%.
The given glucose levels (80, 120, 82, and 42 mg/dL) show a pattern with a peak glucose at 120 mg/dL (approximately 6.7 mmol/L) after oral glucose intake, which is below diabetic thresholds but may suggest some degree of glucose regulation impairment since the subsequent glucose level drops to hypoglycemic levels (42 mg/dL, approximately 2.3 mmol/L). The insulin levels (6, 100, 75, and 9 µU/mL) indicate a dynamic insulin secretion response, peaking at 100 µU/mL at the 120 min timepoint, compatible with an active beta-cell response. The C-peptide levels (12, 13, 12, and 6 ng/mL) closely parallel the insulin secretion profile, reflecting endogenous insulin production because C-peptide is co-secreted with insulin in equimolar amounts and has a longer half-life, making it a reliable marker of beta-cell function.
The HbA1c value of 6% (approximately 42 mmol/mol) falls just below the diagnostic threshold for diabetes (6.5%) but within or near the prediabetes range depending on population context, suggesting the patient's average glycemia over the last 2–3 months is mildly elevated but not frankly diabetic NHS High blood,NICE NG3.
Interpretation of these data suggests preserved beta-cell function with an appropriate insulin and C-peptide response to glucose load; however, the hypoglycemic value at 240 minutes (42 mg/dL) alongside a declining insulin and C-peptide level may reflect reactive hypoglycemia or increased insulin sensitivity. The magnitude and timing of insulin and C-peptide secretion are consistent with a compensatory response to maintain normoglycemia during the OGTT, and the C-peptide levels support that endogenous insulin secretion is intact.
According to NICE guidelines, serum C-peptide measurement can be helpful in ambiguous cases to assess endogenous insulin secretion, especially in revisiting diabetes classification, though it is not routinely used for initial diagnosis NICE NG17. The paired measurement with glucose levels during OGTT adds diagnostic value in understanding beta-cell function and insulin dynamics NICE NG17,NICE CKS. The HbA1c of 6% reinforces a state of glycemic control that is borderline normal or early impaired glucose regulation NHS High blood,NICE NG3.
From recent literature, the coordinated interpretation of insulin, C-peptide, and glucose during OGTT provides insight into insulin resistance and beta-cell compensatory capacity. C-peptide’s longer half-life and stability allow for better dynamic assessment than insulin alone Accacha et al. 2026. Elevated insulin and C-peptide levels during OGTT suggest compensatory hyperinsulinemia often present in insulin resistance states, while glucose levels indicate whether compensation is adequate Accacha et al. 2026. The observation of declining insulin and C-peptide with a late hypoglycemic glucose level may suggest an exaggerated insulin response or altered incretin effect Accacha et al. 2026.
In summary, given the data, the C-peptide levels correlate appropriately with insulin secretion and glucose values, indicating preserved pancreatic beta-cell function in a patient with borderline glycemic control (HbA1c of 6%). These dynamic hormone and glucose profiles are consistent with early impaired glucose regulation or prediabetes rather than established diabetes NHS High blood,NICE NG17 Accacha et al. 2026 Prosperi 2025.
Key References
- NHS: High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)
- NICE NG3: Diabetes in pregnancy: management from preconception to the postnatal period
- NICE CKS: Type 1 diabetes
- NICE NG17: Type 1 diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management
- NICE NG18: Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) in children and young people: diagnosis and management
- NICE CKS: Diabetes - type 1
- NHS: Type 2 diabetes
- NICE CKS: Insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes
- NICE CKS: Diabetes - type 2
- NHS: Insulin
- SmPC: HUMULIN M3 (Mixture 3) 100IU/ml suspension for injection in vial
- SmPC: HUMULIN S (Soluble) 100IU/ml solution for injection in cartridge
- SmPC: HUMULIN M3 KwikPen (Mixture 3) 100IU/ml suspension for injection
- SmPC: HUMULIN M3 (Mixture 3) 100IU/ml suspension for injection in cartridge
- NHS: Diabetes
- (Accacha et al., 2026): The Natural History of Prediabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in the Pediatric Population.
- (Zwierz et al., 2025): Preliminary evaluation of oxyntomodulin as a biomarker for metabolic risk stratification in adults with obesity.
- (Prosperi and Chiarelli F., 2025): Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovaries: an intriguing conundrum.