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.

Related Concept Videos

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon01:15

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
1.1K
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
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...
5.6K
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
903
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
1.2K
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.5K
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
5.2K