What can my daughter's A1c and C-peptide tests show in T1D?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 16-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and we are experiencing significant confusion about the various tests for type 1 diabetes. The medical terminology and complex test results have overwhelmed us and made us uncertain. We want to understand what C-peptide, autoantibody, and glycated hemoglobin tests are in simple terms, and other associated complicated terms. Our daughter is also anxious about her future health and about what these tests would reveal about her condition. Can you please explain the diagnostic process and provide insights into her type 1 diabetes?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Basically, there are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, which can occur at any age, the reason is not well known, mostly genetic, and type 2 diabetes mostly occurs in adults due to various reasons, including diet, poor physical activities, genetics, etc. The tests you have mentioned are to differentiate type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes and are to assess how her body is managing blood sugar.

C-peptide: It measures insulin production. Low levels of C-peptide suggest the body is not making enough insulin, which is typical in type 1 diabetes.
Autoantibodies: These are proteins, the immune system makes that attack insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. If these are present, it confirms an autoimmune cause of type 1 diabetes.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): It reflects average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Higher levels indicate poor blood sugar control.

These tests help doctors determine the type of diabetes and guide treatment. You can plan for your daughter’s treatment and share blood sugar levels for further advice

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Thank you.