Etymed
hyperinsulinism
Definition
A pathological condition characterized by excessive production or secretion of insulin by the pancreas, leading to abnormally low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia)
Clinical context
A 4-month-old infant presents to the emergency department with seizures and altered mental status. The infant's mother reports frequent episodes of lethargy and poor feeding. Laboratory studies reveal severely low blood glucose levels with elevated insulin levels. A CT scan of the abdomen shows a mass in the pancreas. This condition is caused by excessive insulin secretion leading to hypoglycemia.
Mnemonic
HYPOglucose = HYPERinsulinism - Remember that low glucose levels (hypoglycemia) are caused by excessive insulin production