Low levels of postprandial C-peptide are clinically significant in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema in Iraqi patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate if the low postprandial C-peptide levels are clinically significant and would it relate to the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Iraqi patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Forty-one patients with diabetes (28 male, 13 female)  were included, and eight non-diabetic tests were present in this study: HbAlc and 2 h. Post-prandial C-peptide levels were measured in all patients and control groups. Results: In subjects both NPDR and DMO, patients with DR showed lower levels of postprandial C-peptide and higher HbA1c percent. Regression analysis between postprandial C-peptide and DR showed that postprandial C-peptide was negatively associated with DR with odds ratio: (0.569, CI: 0.370- 0.872, p = 0.01) in Iraqi type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: Low postprandial C-peptide levels may predict NPDR and DMO in T2DM patients. Measuring the postprandial or non-fasting C peptide level offers uncomplicated and flexible testing for an outpatient or inpatient.