Background: Until recent studies showed that C-peptide can activate intracellular signalling pathways in a variety of cell types, C-peptide was thought to be physiologically inert1. The connection between C-peptide concentrations and microvascular and macrovascular issues in type 2 diabetes can be a good indication of DM complications..
Objective: To assess serum C-peptide level as a risk factor for atherosclerosis and myocardial dysfunction in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Patients and methods: A cross-sectional comparative clinically controlled study involved 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (the patient group) and another 30 normal healthy individuals (the control group) and both groups are matched in age and sex, both groups were subjected to a thorough clinical examination, carotid Doppler intimal thickness [CIMT], echocardiography, Abdominal Ultrasonography (US), blood glucose levels, HOMA IR, liver, kidney functions, complete lipid profile and C-Peptide levels. A Comparison of the difference in C-peptide level between patients with type 2 diabetes and normal controls in the Egyptian population and its correlation with markers of atherosclerosis and myocardial dysfunction was performed.
Results: There is elevation of serum C-peptide levels in type 2 DM group than control (mean 1.82 ±0.55 vs. 1.21 ±0.24, respectively), Which was statistically significant (P <0.05). Correlation coefficient of C-peptide levels with various cardiovascular risk factors was statistically significant positive in the diabetic group (p <0.05).
Conclusion: C-peptide has been demonstrated to be associated with microvascular complications such as atherosclerosis and can be used as a useful tool for diagnosis of subclinical myocardial injury.