hyperinsulinism

(hī″pĕr-in′sŭ-lin-izm )

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[ hyper- +insulin+ -ism ]
A relative or absolute excess of insulin in the blood. The condition is common in insulin-resistant patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus but rare in patients with insulin-secreting tumors of the pancreas. In type 2 diabetes, the condition is marked by hyperglycemia, weight gain, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. The resistance of such patients to the effect of insulin prevents hypoglycemia. By contrast, in patients with insulin-secreting tumors, severe hypoglycemia may be present.
SEE: hyperinsulinemia

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