Hyperinsulinemia

Hyperinsulinemia is elevated circulating insulin levels, occurring with or without hypoglycemia. Common causes: peripheral insulin resistance (obesity, metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes), insulinoma (pancreatic beta-cell tumor), congenital hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy, and insulin-resistance syndromes. It drives hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and weight gain.

Common Symptoms

Often asymptomatic; hypoglycemic symptoms if insulin overshoots; obesity; acanthosis nigricans; reactive hypoglycemia

Causes and Pathogenesis

Insulin resistance drives compensatory beta-cell hypersecretion; beta-cell tumor or congenital channel mutations cause autonomous insulin secretion.

Treatment

Treat underlying cause; weight loss/metformin for insulin resistance; surgery/diazoxide/octreotide for insulinoma; dietary modification

Preventive Measures

Weight control; regular exercise; low-glycemic diet; evaluate unexplained hypoglycemia.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Endocrinology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.