C-Peptide is part of the molecule of Proinsulin, that consists of three parts: C-Peptide and two long strands of amino acids (called the alpha and beta chains) that later become linked together to form the insulin molecule. From every molecule of proinsulin, one molecule of insulin plus one molecule of C-Peptide are produced. C-Peptide is released into the blood stream in equal amounts to insulin. A test of C-Peptide levels will show how much insulin the body is making. Insulin decreases blood glucose concentration. It increases cell permeability to monosaccharides, amino acids and fatty acids. It accelerates glycolysis, the pentose phosphate cycle, and glycogen synthesis in liver. Although C-Peptide function is not fully understood, it binds to cell membranes which leads to increased intracellular Ca2++, K+ -ATPase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activities. C-Peptide also functions in repair of the muscular layer of arteries.