Hyperinsulinemia

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Hyperinsulinemia

Hyperinsulinemia is a condition in which a person has a very high level of insulin in the blood. Over time, high insulin levels may cause high blood pressure (hypertension), weight gain, high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and may increase a person's risk of heart attack and stroke.

The pancreas, a gland behind the stomach, produces insulin and may make too much when:

The body's cells and tissues do not fully respond to the action of insulin (insulin resistance). Because of this, the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood increases. The body responds by releasing more insulin from the pancreas in an attempt to normalize blood sugar levels.
A person is overweight.
A person takes large doses of insulin.
A person takes a medication that interferes with the action of insulin.

Losing weight and eating a balanced diet can help decrease hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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