Objective: Stimulated serum C-peptide (sCP) during a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) is the gold standard measure of endogenous insulin secretion, but practical issues limit its use. We assessed urine C-peptide creatinine ratio (UCPCR) as an alternative.
Research design and methods: Seventy-two type 1 diabetic patients (age of diagnosis median 14 years [interquartile range 10-22]; diabetes duration 6.5 [2.3-32.7]) had an MMTT. sCP was collected at 90 min. Urine for UCPCR was collected at 120 min and following a home evening meal.
Results: MMTT 120-min UCPCR was highly correlated to 90-min sCP (r = 0.97; P < 0.0001). UCPCR ≥ 0.53 nmol/mmol had 94% sensitivity/100% specificity for significant endogenous insulin secretion (90-min sCP ≥ 0.2 nmol/L). The 120-min postprandial evening meal UCPCR was highly correlated to 90-min sCP (r = 0.91; P < 0.0001). UCPCR ≥ 0.37 nmol/mmol had 84% sensitivity/97% specificity for sCP ≥ 0.2 nmol/L.
Conclusions: UCPCR testing is a sensitive and specific method for detecting insulin secretion. UCPCR may be a practical alternative to serum C-peptide testing, avoiding the need for inpatient investigation.