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C-peptide helps in the formation of insulin. It is then secreted into the blood with insulin and is often used as an indicator of kidney function and insulin production and use. (source)
Low C-peptide levels may stem from physiological factors related to pancreatic function, as C-peptide is produced during the processing of insulin in the pancreas. Nutritionally, a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to overstimulation of insulin production, potentially resulting in lower C-peptide levels over time. (source, source)
Incorporate raw honey: Adding honey to meals has been shown to raise C-peptide levels. (source) Honey stimulates pancreatic beta cells which leads to a postprandial rise of plasma C-peptide. (source) Recommendation: Consume one to two servings of raw honey daily.
Train regularly: Physical activity has been shown to normalize C-peptide concentrations (source) C-peptide is a marker of insulin production. Physical activity is associated with greater insulin sensitivity, aiding in normalizing insulin production and subsequently C-peptide production. (source) Recommendation: Follow a structured training program that exerts your body through multiple resistance and aerobic intensities. This includes a structured aerobic program that ensures at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity (50 to 70% max heart rate) or 75 minutes of high intensity (75% max heart rate or greater) a week and a structured resistance training program with moderate to heavy loads at least twice a week for resistance training. The final set of each resistance training exercise should be taken within two repetitions of failure.
Supplement with nicotinamide: Supplementation with nicotinamide has been shown to increase serum C-peptide levels. (source) Nicotinamide has been shown to induce islet B-cell regeneration in the pancreas and raise C-peptide levels. (source, source) Recommendation: Supplement with at least 200 mg of nicotinamide daily.
High C-peptide levels can stem from physiological factors such as increased insulin production by the pancreas and improved glucose metabolism. Nutritionally, consuming excess carbohydrates and refined sugars can lead to elevated C-peptide levels as the body works to manage glucose levels. (source, source)
Prioritize fatty fish: Ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to positively affect C-peptide levels. (source). Insulin resistance has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress. The buildup of lipids as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species accumulation are significant factors causing cellular insulin resistance and increased levels of C-peptides. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids aid in lowering levels of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, helping to reduce C-peptide. (source) Recommendation: Eat at least two servings of fatty fish a week.
One serving examples: Salmon (3 oz), Herring (3 oz), Bluefin Tuna (3 oz), Anchovies (3 oz), Mackerel (3 oz)
Incorporate cinnamon: Consumption of cinnamon with meals has been shown to decrease C-peptide concentrations. (source) Cinnamon may acutely regulate postprandial glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by increasing insulin sensitivity through multiple mechanisms and subsequently C-peptide levels. (source) Recommendation: Consume up to 1 tsp of cinnamon daily.
Maintain an athletic body composition: Individuals with markers of obesity have been shown to have increased C-peptide levels. (source, source) C-peptide is a marker for insulin production. Physical activity is associated with greater insulin sensitivity, aiding in normalizing insulin production and subsequently C-peptide production. (source, source) Recommendation: Maintain a high-performance diet and exercise program that supports a body composition of no more than 15% body fat for men and 20% for women.
Train regularly: Physical activity has been shown to normalize C-peptide concentrations. (source) C-peptide is a marker for insulin production. Physical activity is associated with greater insulin sensitivity, aiding in normalizing insulin production and subsequently C-peptide production. (source) Recommendation: Follow a structured training program that exerts your body through multiple resistance and aerobic intensities. Follow a structured aerobic program that ensures at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity (50 to 70% max heart rate) or 75 minutes of high intensity (75% max heart rate or greater) a week. Follow a structured resistance training program with moderate to heavy loads at least twice a week for resistance training. The final set of each exercise should be taken within two repetitions of failure.
Avoid prolonged sitting: Walking has been shown to positively affect blood glucose levels. (source) C-peptide is a marker for insulin production. Physical activity is associated with greater insulin sensitivity, aiding in normalizing insulin production and subsequently C-peptide production. (source) Recommendation: Break up each hour of sitting with at least five minutes of physical activity, such as body weight squats, knee raises, walking, and push-ups. Do a daily structured walk of at least one mile.
Supplement with fish oil: Ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to positively affect C-peptide levels. (source) Insulin resistance has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress. The buildup of lipids as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species accumulation are significant factors causing cellular insulin resistance and increased levels of C-peptides. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids aid in lowering levels of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, helping to reduce C-peptide. (source) Recommendation: Supplement with at least 3 grams of fish oil daily..
Supplement with curcumin: Curcumin supplementation has been shown to decrease C-peptide. (source) Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to support β-cell functions, helping to lower C-peptide levels. (source) Recommendation: Supplement with at least 1 g of curcumin daily.
