Relationship between postprandial C-peptide level and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients

Objectives: We conducted this study in order to assess the relationship between serum C-peptide levels and DPN in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients. Material and methods: A retrospective study of 1131 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients was conducted. The association between serum postprandial C-peptide (PCP) and other diabetic clinical parameters was assessed using Spearman correlation analysis. The relationship between DPN and each parameter was assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 397 (35.1%) patients with DPN among the subjects. There were significant differences in age, diabetes duration, BUN, serum creatinine (Cr), HbA1c, GA, 30-min and 120-min PCP between non-DPN and DPN groups. Diabetes duration, UA, HbA1c, and 120-min PCP had been shown to be correlated with DPN. Serum level of 120-min PCP was an independent risk factor for DPN. Conclusion: Patients with DPN showed relatively older age, longer diabetes duration, higher BUN, HbA1c, and GA levels, whereas, much lower serum PCP levels. Serum level of 120-min PCP might be a potential biomarker and a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of DPN, especially in longer diabetes duration subjects.