What does hyperinsulinism refer to?

• A. Insulin deficiency
• B. Excessive secretion of insulin by the pancreas
• C. Normal insulin response
• D. Inability to secrete insulin

Answer: (B)

Hyperinsulinism means there is too much insulin in the blood because the pancreas is secreting insulin excessively. When insulin levels are high, glucose is driven into cells and the liver reduces glucose output, which can lower blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This differs from insulin deficiency, where there isn’t enough insulin to lower blood glucose; it also isn’t a normal, appropriately regulated insulin response, which occurs when insulin is released in the right amount in response to blood glucose. It also isn’t an inability to secrete insulin, which would mean little or no insulin is produced.