PLAY
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 and pancreatic function and insulin production and use. (source)
Unlike insulin, which is rapidly cleared from the blood and extracted by peripheral tissues, C-peptide persists, providing a more stable and reliable measure of what the pancreas is actually producing. When C-peptide is in range, it signals that insulin secretion capacity is intact and the pancreas is responding appropriately to glucose demands. When it drifts outside the optimal window, it exposes either declining pancreatic reserve (low) or compensatory overproduction driven by tissue-level insulin resistance (high). (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 pancreatic fatigue, reducing C-peptide output over time. (source, source)
Potential Performance Impact:
Incorporate raw honey: Adding honey to meals has been shown to raise C-peptide levels. Honey stimulates pancreatic beta cells, which leads to a postprandial rise of plasma C-peptide. (source, source)
Protocol: Incorporate 1–2 tablespoons of raw honey with meals.
Train regularly: Physical activity has been shown to normalize C-peptide concentrations. C-peptide is a marker of insulin production. Physical activity is associated with greater insulin sensitivity, which reduces the demand on the pancreas to secrete excess insulin. (source, source)
Protocol: Perform at least 3 exercise sessions per week.
Supplement with nicotinamide: Supplementation with nicotinamide has been shown to increase serum C-peptide levels. Nicotinamide has been shown to induce islet B-cell regeneration in the pancreas. (source, source)
Protocol: Supplement with nicotinamide as directed by a healthcare provider.
High C-peptide levels can stem from physiological factors such as increased insulin production by the pancreas and impaired glucose metabolism. Nutritionally, consuming excess carbohydrates and refined sugars can elevate C-peptide by constantly driving insulin production. This state reflects insulin resistance at the tissue level. (source, source)
Potential Performance Impact:
Prioritize fatty fish: Ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to positively affect C-peptide levels. Insulin resistance has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammation in various tissues. Omega-3 fatty acids support mitochondrial function and reduce these pathological processes. (source, source)
Protocol: Consume at least 2 servings of fatty fish per 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. Cinnamon may acutely regulate postprandial glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by enhancing insulin signaling pathways. (source)
Protocol: 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. C-peptide is a marker for insulin production. Physical activity is associated with greater insulin sensitivity, reducing demand on the pancreas. (source, source)
Protocol: Maintain BMI ≤25 and waist circumference below 40” for men and 35” for women.
Train regularly: Physical activity has been shown to normalize C-peptide concentrations. C-peptide is a marker for insulin production. Physical activity is associated with greater insulin sensitivity. (source, source)
Protocol: Perform at least 3 exercise sessions per week.
Avoid prolonged sitting: Walking has been shown to positively affect blood glucose levels. C-peptide is a marker for insulin production. Physical activity is associated with greater insulin sensitivity, reducing the insulin demand on the pancreas. (source)
Protocol: Break up each hour of sitting with at least five minutes of physical activity. 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. Omega-3 fatty acids support mitochondrial function and reduce inflammation that drives insulin resistance. (source)
Protocol: Supplement with at least 2 g of fish oil daily.
Supplement with curcumin: Curcumin supplementation has been shown to decrease C-peptide. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to support β-cell functions, helping to lower C-peptide by reducing the inflammatory burden driving compensatory insulin production. (source)
Protocol: Supplement with curcumin as directed, preferably with piperine to enhance bioavailability.
