How would sulphonylurea abuse affect insulin and C-peptide levels?

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When discussing sulphonylurea abuse, it is essential to understand the drug's mechanism and its influence on insulin production. Sulphonylureas stimulate pancreatic beta cells to release insulin. If someone abuses these medications, they can lead to an exaggerated release of insulin from the pancreas.

As a result of this increased insulin production, you would also expect an elevation in C-peptide levels. C-peptide is a byproduct produced when proinsulin is cleaved to form active insulin. Thus, in a scenario of sulphonylurea abuse, both insulin and C-peptide levels would be expected to be high due to the stimulation of pancreatic function.

Therefore, the situation aligns with high levels of both insulin and C-peptide, confirming that this is the correct interpretation of the physiological response associated with sulphonylurea use and abuse.

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