What is Hyperinsulimia?
Hyperinsulimia (hyperinsulinism) is the presence in the body of an abnormally high level of insulin, the hormone secreted by the pancreas and needed by the body to disperse and utilize sugar. Abnormally high levels of insulin in the body result in abnormally low levels of sugar in the system, triggering such symptoms as headache, dizziness and weakness. In extreme cases it may cause convulsions, coma, and death.
Causes of Hyperinsulimia
The cause of these high levels of insulin may be organic - a tumor of the pancreas, impaired liver function, or endocrine disorders - or it may be functional - unusually vigorous and sustained exercising, pregnancy, or lactation. Among diabetics, hyperinsulinism is known as insulin shock, or hypoglycemia, and may occur as a result of treating themselves with an accidental overdose of insulin.
Treatment of Hyperinsulimia
Treatment for hyperinsulinism (hyperinsulimia) depends on which type is involved. For example, if the cause of the hyperinsulinism is organic, surgery may be required to remove it. Whereas functional hyperinsulinism is typically treated by dietetic measures designed to improve the insulin-sugar balance.
Hyperinsulimia and Insulin Resistance
Hyperinsulimia is sometimes associated with insulin resistance (called Metabolic Syndrome X, or more properly, Insulin Resistance Syndrome), a largely genetic condition which (it is believed) may affect up to 30 million Americans. Insulin resistance causes cells to reduce their sensitivity to insulin, the pancreatic hormone which the body needs to disperse blood glucose to the cells for use as energy. This insulin-insensitivity provokes the pancreas to overcompensate by secreting even more insulin - an outcome which can promote serious weight gain as well as heart disease. It can also lead to type 2 diabetes.
People with the genetic predisposition to metabolic syndrome can avoid it (or alleviate their condition) through regular exercise and by following a low-glycemic-index diet based on the Low Glycemic Index Food Pyramid.