Hyperinsulinemia:
What is hyperinsulinemia?
Hyperinsulinemia, sometimes also called Syndrome X, refers to a failure of the endocrine system to properly use glucose. When a person eats, his or her body will break down the food into three basic components: proteins (amino acids), carbohydrates (glucose) and fats (fatty acids), all of which are absorbed into the bloodstream. Of the three, carbohydrates have a far greater effect on raising blood sugar than fats or protein. Under normal conditions, the beta cells of the pancreas secrete insulin in response to rising glucose levels in the blood. Over time, the pancreas can become exhausted trying to produce enough insulin to deal with abnormally high glucose levels. When this happens, the body no longer responds to the effects of insulin on the blood sugar and the patient is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is related to insulin resistance, or the lack of the ability of the body to respond to insulin appropriately, as opposed to Type 1, which requires total insulin replacement for survival because the body does not make adequate amounts.
Causes and Risks of hyperinsulinemia:
Hyperinsulinemia is almost always caused by an individual’s diet and lifestyle. When a person eats, the body breaks down the food into usable energy. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the body in order to transport glucose into the cells for energy. When the cells no longer respond properly to insulin, the body will produce extra insulin in order to get the necessary response. When the body's cells are resistant to the action of the insulin, it is called insulin resistance (IR). As a result, the pancreas produces much more insulin than normal. Over time this can cause the pancreas to become exhausted and unable to keep up with the body’s demand for insulin, leading to hyperinsulinemia. The condition may also be the result of a tumor of the pancreas, called an insulinoma, which secretes excess insulin. Link to:
Risks associated with hyperinsulinemia include artherosclerosis, elevated triglycerides (an increased risk of heart disease or stroke), high uric acid (gout), polycystic ovary syndrome (endocrine disorder), type 2 diabetes, lack of activity, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), endocrine disorders in women, and blood clotting problems.
Symptoms of hyperinsulinemia:
Symptoms of hyperinsulinemia can include:
- Weight gain
- Cravings for sugar
- Intense hunger
- Weakness
- Need for frequent meals
- Poor concentration
- Emotional instability
- Memory loss
- Lack of focus
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Lack of motivation and fatigue
If the condition leads to abnormally low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), symptoms may include:
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Seizures
Treatment & Prevention options:
The correct approach for treatment of hyperinsulinemia is unclear. Hyperinsulemia does not typically require special treatment for a diabetic, unless it is extreme. Moderate hyperinsulemia is common in Type 2 diabetics, but is neutralized by the insulin resistence. Therefore, many Type 2 diabetics do not require special treatment for hyperinsulemia, though they need to treat the diabetes. Non-diabetics may require treatment of hypoglycemia that results from the hyperinsulinemia.
Related information:
- Diabetes Health Online
- Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinemia
- Mayo Clinic: Hyperinsulinemia – Is It Diabetes?
- More patient resources
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
