What is hyperinsulinism?

Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) is a rare genetic disorder in which the insulin cells of the pancreas, called beta cells, secrete too much insulin. Excess insulin causes low plasma sugar (hypoglycaemia).

The treatment for this condition is to try and maintain blood sugars greater than 3.5 mmol/L. There are two long-term options for treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism, usually with medical therapy as first line treatment (e.g. supplementing feeds, diazoxide, octreotide) and surgical intervention in select patients (e.g. focal lesion) or those who fail medical therapy. 

For health professionals

Please refer to the RCH clinical practice guideline for general management of hypoglycaemia and critical samples.

Exeter genetic testing for hyperinsulinism

NIH Congenital hyperinsulinism information page

For patients and families 

Hypoglycaemia management plan

School management plan

Travel letter

Refer to diabetes educational videos for: 

How to do a finger prick check

How to give glucagon

Blood glucose monitoring module (please refer to your management plan regarding blood glucose target levels for your children's condition)