IGF-1 DES vs C-peptide

Head-to-head comparison of IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) and C-peptide (Connecting peptide (C-peptide)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyIGF-1 DESC-peptide
CategoryGrowth HormonePain Management
Full NameDes(1-3) Insulin-like Growth Factor 1Connecting peptide (C-peptide)
Molecular Weight7365 Da3020.3 Da
Half-Life~20-30 minutes~20-30 min
Amino Acids6731
Typical Doseno approved analgesic dose|research-only
RouteIV|subQ
Purity>98%≥98%
Studies Count6546
Research StatusActive ResearchPre-clinical

IGF-1 DES Benefits

  • Highly potent localized muscle growth, enhanced protein synthesis, satellite cell proliferation, does not bind to IGFBPs, rapid onset

C-peptide Benefits

  • diabetic neuropathy research
  • nerve function support
  • possible analgesic effect

IGF-1 DES Dosing

50-150 mcg per injection site bilaterally post-workout. 4-6 week cycles due to potency. Multiple daily injections in research.

C-peptide Dosing

0.5-1.0 mg/day in research|route varies by protocol

IGF-1 DES Side Effects

  • Hypoglycemia (dose-dependent), localized swelling, shorter duration limits systemic exposure compared to IGF-1 LR3.

C-peptide Side Effects

  • injection-site reactions
  • unknown long-term safety

Research Overview

IGF-1 DES

Missing first three amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu) eliminates IGFBP binding, resulting in 100% bioavailable IGF-1R stimulation. Activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR for protein synthesis and satellite cell proliferation.

C-peptide

C-peptide is not an approved analgesic, but multiple studies have examined its effects on peripheral nerve blood flow and neuropathy outcomes. The strongest relevance is in diabetic neuropathic pain rather than migraine.

Ready to buy?

Find both peptides from our verified, lab-tested vendors with purity certificates and third-party testing.

Common Stacking Partners

IGF-1 DES stacks with:

PEG-MGFIGF-1 LR3CJC-1295

C-peptide stacks with:

C-peptideConnecting peptide
growth-factorIGF-1-analogmuscle-growthanaboliclocalized-growthneuropathic-paindiabetic-neuropathynerve-repair