Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hypoglycemia, confusion, seizures, unconsciousness
Complications	Brain damage, seizures, coma
Onset
Duration
Types	Congenital hyperinsulinism, Insulinoma, Nesidioblastosis
Causes	Excessive insulin production
Risks
Diagnosis	Blood test, insulin level measurement, glucose tolerance test
Differential diagnosis	Hypoglycemia, insulinoma, factitious hypoglycemia
Prevention
Treatment	Glucose administration, diazoxide, octreotide, surgery
Medication	Diazoxide, octreotide
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths	N/A

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is a medical condition characterized by abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood caused by excessive levels of insulin. This condition is most commonly seen in newborns and infants, but can also occur in adults.

Causes

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is caused by an overproduction of insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Genetic disorders: Certain genetic disorders can cause the pancreas to produce too much insulin.
• Pancreatic tumors: Tumors in the pancreas can cause an overproduction of insulin.
• Medications: Certain medications can cause the body to produce too much insulin.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They can include:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• Hunger
• Blurred vision

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia involves a series of tests to measure the levels of glucose and insulin in the blood. These tests can include:

• Blood tests
• Insulin tests
• Glucose tolerance tests

Treatment

Treatment for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia depends on the underlying cause of the condition. It can include:

• Medication: Medications can be used to regulate the amount of insulin in the body.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required to remove a tumor causing the overproduction of insulin.
• Dietary changes: A diet high in complex carbohydrates and protein can help regulate blood sugar levels.

See also

• Hypoglycemia
• Insulin
• Diabetes