In 10 insulin dependent maturity onset diabetics we found elevated basal C-Peptide
levels (4.78 ±0.5 ng/mL Normal range 1.1-3.6 ng/ml), which could be suppressed by
insulin injection to the same extent as in sulfonylurea treated diabetics could be
demonstrated. C-Peptide immunoreactivity in these patients therefore seems to be newly
secreted rather than accumulated material Since adrenalectomized patients could be
suppressed in the same way, it is likely, that catecholamines are not the major factor
in the mechanism of suppression. Therefore only decrease of bloodsugar levels seems
to be accountable for the decrease of C-Peptide levels. High C-Peptide levels in insulin
dependent maturity onset diabetics which cannot be stimulated but suppressed may be
explained by a loss of glucoreceptor molecules
C-Peptide - Glucoreceptor - Adrenalectomy - Residual Secretion - Insulin Induced Hypoglycemia
