Hyperinsulinemia, or
hyperinsulinaemia is a condition in which there are excess levels of
insulin circulating in the blood relative to the level of glucose. While it is often mistaken for
diabetes or
hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinemia can result from a variety of metabolic diseases and conditions. While hyperinsulinemia is often seen in people with early stage type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is not the cause of the condition and is only one symptom of the disease. Type 1 diabetes only occurs when pancreatic beta-cell function is impaired. Hyperinsulinemia can be seen in a variety of conditions including
diabetes mellitus type 2, in neonates and in drug induced hyperinsulinemia. It can also occur in congenital hyperinsulism, including
nesidioblastosis.