Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Diagnosis and treatment of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia and its implications for paediatric endocrinology
Huseyin Demirbilek1, Sofia A Rahman2, Gonul Gulal Buyukyilmaz1
1Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) involves inappropriate insulin secretion, causing dangerous low blood sugar in children. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent brain damage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Glucose homeostasis is tightly regulated by insulin, secreted by pancreatic β-cells.
- Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) is a critical condition in neonates and children, characterized by excessive insulin secretion despite low glucose levels.
- HH can lead to severe hypoketotic hypoglycaemia and irreversible brain damage if not promptly managed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) in children.
- To cover the diagnosis, molecular genetics, and therapeutic strategies for HH.
- To highlight recent advances in managing HH and improving patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on glucose homeostasis and hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia.
- Discussion of genetic mutations underlying congenital HH (e.g., ABCC8, KCNJ11).
- Examination of diagnostic tools including 18F-DOPA PET-CT and therapeutic options like medical management and surgery.
Main Results:
- Mutations in 12 key genes are identified as the molecular basis for congenital HH.
- Advances in molecular genetics and imaging (18F-DOPA PET-CT) have improved diagnostic accuracy.
- Modern therapeutic approaches, including medical and surgical interventions, have enhanced patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing neurological complications in children with HH.
- Understanding the molecular genetics of HH guides diagnosis and treatment strategies.
- Multidisciplinary management, incorporating genetics, imaging, and tailored therapies, is essential for optimal outcomes in HH patients.
Abstract:
Glucose homeostasis requires appropriate and synchronous coordination of metabolic events and hormonal activities to keep plasma glucose concentrations in a narrow range of 3.5-5.5 mmol/L. Insulin, the only glucose lowering hormone secreted from pancreatic β-cells, plays the key role in glucose homeostasis. Insulin release from pancreatic β-cells is mainly regulated by intracellular ATP-generating metabolic pathways. Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH), the most common cause of severe and persistent hypoglycaemia in neonates and children, is the inappropriate secretion of insulin which occurs despite low plasma glucose levels leading to severe and persistent hypoketotic hypoglycaemia. Mutations in 12 different key genes (ABCC8, KCNJ11, GLUD1, GCK, HADH, SLC16A1, UCP2, HNF4A, HNF1A, HK1, PGM1 and PMM2) constitute the underlying molecular mechanisms of congenital HH. Since insulin supressess ketogenesis, the alternative energy source to the brain, a prompt diagnosis and immediate management of HH is essential to avoid irreversible hypoglycaemic brain damage in children. Advances in molecular genetics, imaging methods (18F-DOPA PET-CT), medical therapy and surgical approach (laparoscopic and open pancreatectomy) have changed the management and improved the outcome of patients with HH. This up to date review article provides a background to the diagnosis, molecular genetics, recent advances and therapeutic options in the field of HH in children.
More Related Videos
08:13Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test OGTT and Insulin Tolerance Test ITT
Published on: January 7, 2018
07:35Author Spotlight: Investigating the Blood Glucose Homeostasis in Murine Brain Using a Cost-Effective Hyperglycemic And Hypoglycemic Clamp Technique
Published on: January 26, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational