Hyperinsulinaemia
Abnormally elevated insulin levels in the blood, typically occurring as a compensatory response to insulin resistance. The pancreas produces excess insulin to overcome cellular resistance. Hyperinsulinaemia may contribute to weight gain, hypertension, and cardiovascular risk.
Technical Context
Hyperinsulinaemia represents compensatory hypersecretion of insulin by pancreatic beta cells attempting to overcome peripheral insulin resistance. Fasting hyperinsulinaemia (insulin >25 mU/L) indicates systemic insulin resistance. Postprandial hyperinsulinaemia (exaggerated insulin response to meals) contributes to postprandial hypoglycaemia (reactive hypoglycaemia) and may promote weight gain (insulin is an anabolic, lipogenic hormone). Hyperinsulinaemia has been independently associated with: hypertension (insulin stimulates renal sodium retention and sympathetic nervous system), dyslipidaemia (hepatic triglyceride synthesis), endothelial dysfunction, and possibly cancer progression (insulin promotes cell proliferation through IGF-1 receptor cross-activation). GLP-1 RAs can reduce hyperinsulinaemia by: improving insulin sensitivity (less compensatory secretion needed) and providing glucose-dependent insulin secretion (more efficient insulin use).