C‐peptide revisited – new physiological effects and therapeutic implications

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Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that replacement of C‐peptide to normal physiological concentrations in insulin‐dependent diabetic (IDDM) patients on a short‐term basis (1–3 h) results in decreased glomerular hyperfiltration, augmented glucose utilization and improved autonomic nervous function. More prolonged administration (1–3 months) of C‐peptide to IDDM patients is accompanied by improvements in both renal and autonomic nervous function. Moreover, both in‐vitro and in‐vivo studies indicate that C‐peptide may have a role in the regulation of insulin secretion. The effects of C‐peptide may in part be explained by its ability to stimulate Na+,K+‐ATPase activity. In conclusion, the combined findings indicate that C‐peptide is a biologically active hormone. The possibility that C‐peptide therapy in IDDM patients may be beneficial should be considered.