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Hypothalamic or central obesity is associated with an early rise in plasma insulin concentration
M M Segal1, J Bell, G M Abrams
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Insights
Early hyperinsulinemia, characterized by high insulin levels, may precede obesity and hyperphagia after meningoencephalitis. This study investigated insulin secretion in a child following brain inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Meningoencephalitis can lead to hypothalamic injury, potentially affecting appetite regulation and metabolism.
- Obesity and hyperphagia (excessive eating) are significant health concerns in children.
- Understanding the hormonal changes following brain injury is crucial for managing associated metabolic complications.
Abstract:
Insulin levels in a 7-year-old boy with hyperphagia and obesity following an episode of meningoencephalitis were studied sequentially during the course of progressive weight gain. High fasting insulin levels (1183 pmol/L) and strikingly high insulin release in response to glucose (7892 pmol/L) were found within weeks of the onset of the illness. The abnormality in insulin secretion occurred prior to the marked weight gain. Hyperinsulinemia was not accompanied by hypoglycemia. Early hyperinsulinemia may be a primary event in the development of hyperphagia and obesity following hypothalamic injury.
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