Introduction to Diabetes Mellitus

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 49 views

Introduction to Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease that has been increasingly prevalent throughout the world, including in Indonesia. It is estimated that the prevalence of global DM reaches around 4%, while in Indonesia, the number of DM patients is predicted to increase from 8.4 million people in 2000 to around 21.3 million people in 2030. Among the various types of diabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus (Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM) is the most common, with prevalence ranging from 1.5 - 2.3%. Generally, type 2 DM occurs in adults, but can also occur in children.

The Main Cause of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The main cause of type 2 DM is a combination of insulin production disorders and resistance to insulin, namely the reduced sensitivity of the body's cells to insulin. Pancreatic beta cells responsible for producing insulin can still function at the initial stage of type 2 DM, although with excess insulin production, known as hyperinsulinemia. At this stage, patients do not need insulin therapy. However, over time and disease developed, the production of insulin from pancreatic beta cells will decrease, so patients need insulin therapy to manage their blood glucose levels.

The Importance of C-Peptide Levels in Assessing Pancreatic Beta Cells Function

One important indicator in assessing the function of pancreatic beta cells is C-Peptide levels. C-peptide is produced in conjunction with insulin from the breakdown of the molecules of the proinsulin and is released into the bloodstream. In contrast to insulin, C-peptide is not extracted by the liver, so it has a longer half-life and a more stable level in blood circulation. Measured C-peptide levels can provide a more accurate picture of insulin secretion in the body, especially in DM patients.

Research on C-Peptide Levels in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 DM Patients

Research shows that C-peptide levels tend to increase in newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients. To prove this, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department/Installation of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra/H. Adam Malik RSUP, in collaboration with the Department of Internal Medicine, in the period May to October 2009. This study involved 68 people, Consists of 34 newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients and 34 non-DM controls. Blood sampling is carried out to measure the levels of serum serum C-peptide and serum creatinine, and the analysis is carried out using the Cobas E 601 tool with the Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA) method.

The Results of Statistical Analysis

The results of statistical analysis showed a significant increase in C-peptide levels in the newly diagnosed type of type 2 DM group compared to the non-DM control group, with a p <0.05 value. This finding shows that although type 2 DM patients experience insulin resistance, their pancreatic beta cells are still active in producing insulin, which is reflected in increasing C-Peptide levels.

The Importance of C-Peptide Levels in Determining Treatment Strategy

This information is very important, because it helps in determining the appropriate treatment strategy for type 2 DM patients. Introduction and monitoring of C-Peptide levels can contribute in designing better therapy, as well as predicting the development of the disease, thus providing opportunities for patients to get more management effective against the disease. In addition, further research in this field can open the way for new therapy that targets to increase the sensitivity of insulin or stimulation of pancreas beta cells, thus helping patients with type 2 DM in controlling their disease better.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparison of C-Peptide levels in new type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetes mellitus is a crucial aspect in understanding the function of pancreatic beta cells. The results of the study show that C-peptide levels tend to increase in newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients, indicating that their pancreatic beta cells are still active in producing insulin. This information is essential in determining the appropriate treatment strategy for type 2 DM patients and can contribute to designing better therapy and predicting the development of the disease.

Future Research Directions

Further research in this field can open the way for new therapy that targets to increase the sensitivity of insulin or stimulation of pancreas beta cells, thus helping patients with type 2 DM in controlling their disease better. Additionally, the study of C-peptide levels can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of type 2 DM and can help in the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

Introduction and monitoring of C-Peptide levels should be included in the treatment strategy for type 2 DM patients.
Further research should be conducted to explore the potential of C-peptide levels as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target for type 2 DM.
Development of new therapy that targets to increase the sensitivity of insulin or stimulation of pancreas beta cells should be explored.

Limitations of the Study

The study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study involved only 68 participants, which may not be representative of the larger population.
Cross-sectional design: The study was conducted at a single point in time, which may not capture the dynamic changes in C-peptide levels over time.
Limited follow-up: The study did not follow up with participants over time to assess the long-term effects of C-peptide levels on disease outcomes.

Future Directions

Future research should aim to address these limitations and explore the potential of C-peptide levels as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target for type 2 DM. Additionally, the study of C-peptide levels can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of type 2 DM and can help in the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

Conclusion

Q1: What is C-Peptide and how is it related to insulin?

A1: C-peptide is a protein that is produced in conjunction with insulin from the breakdown of the molecules of proinsulin. It is released into the bloodstream and has a longer half-life and a more stable level in blood circulation compared to insulin.

Q2: What is the significance of C-Peptide levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A2: C-peptide levels are an important indicator in assessing the function of pancreatic beta cells. Measured C-peptide levels can provide a more accurate picture of insulin secretion in the body, especially in DM patients.

Q3: What is the relationship between C-Peptide levels and insulin resistance?

A3: Research shows that C-peptide levels tend to increase in newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients, indicating that their pancreatic beta cells are still active in producing insulin. This suggests that despite insulin resistance, the pancreatic beta cells are still functioning and producing insulin.

Q4: How can C-Peptide levels be used in determining treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A4: Introduction and monitoring of C-Peptide levels can contribute in designing better therapy, as well as predicting the development of the disease, thus providing opportunities for patients to get more management effective against the disease.

Q5: What are the potential benefits of further research on C-Peptide levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A5: Further research in this field can open the way for new therapy that targets to increase the sensitivity of insulin or stimulation of pancreas beta cells, thus helping patients with type 2 DM in controlling their disease better.

Q6: What are the limitations of the study on C-Peptide levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A6: The study has several limitations, including small sample size, cross-sectional design, and limited follow-up.

Q7: What are the future directions for research on C-Peptide levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A7: Future research should aim to address the limitations of the study and explore the potential of C-peptide levels as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target for type 2 DM.

Q8: How can C-Peptide levels be used in the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A8: The study of C-peptide levels can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of type 2 DM and can help in the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

Q9: What are the potential applications of C-Peptide levels in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A9: Introduction and monitoring of C-Peptide levels can contribute in designing better therapy, as well as predicting the development of the disease, thus providing opportunities for patients to get more management effective against the disease.

Q10: What are the future implications of the study on C-Peptide levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A10: The study has the potential to contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for type 2 DM and can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of the disease.