Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by progressive destruction of the pancreatic beta cells, what leads to insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. However, a significant secretory function may persist for long periods in a few patients, what is clinically evident through the detection of serum C peptide. This phenomenon might reduce the risk of chronic complications, severe hypoglycemias and allow easier metabolic control. It is possible that these advantages are caused, at least partially, by C peptide itself, acting directly in its target tissues.
C-peptide; Type 1 diabetes; Treatment