What is Hyperinsulinemia?
Definition: Elevated, or higher than normal levels of insulin produced by the pancreas or circulating in the blood stream.
Health-Related Effects and Complications of Hyperinsulinemia (Elevated Insulin Legels)
A person who is insulin resistant usually produces higher levels of insulin from the pancreas than is normal or healthy. Over production of insulin (hyperinsulinemia) can aggravate or trigger other health problems including infertility, weight gain, bloating, poor lipid profiles, and hormonal imbalances.
Hyperinsulinemia also increases the risk of more serious health problems including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Increased risk of developing pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Cosmetic Issues Associated with Hyperinsulinemia
Cosmetic problems caused by or associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia include:
- Alopecia Areata (AA) Scalp hair loss (especially in women)
- Hirsutism (excess facial and body hair)
- Skin tags
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Adult acne
- Yeast Infections
- Sleep Disorders
Long-Term Dangers of Hyperinsulinemia
A pancreas that continually over produces insulin can wear out over time. When the pancreas is no longer be able to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose in normal ranges without medication or insulin, a patient will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. If the pancreas stops producing sufficient insulin a patient with type 2 diabetes will need to start taking daily injections of insulin.
