Hyperinsulinemia triggers when you have abnormally high insulin levels in the blood.
Hyperinsulinemia is associated with key in 2 diabetes but is not technically a form of diabetes.
It is also a factor in obesity andmetabolic syndrome.
Yoshiyoshi Hirokawa / Getty Images
It can be difficult to diagnose hyperinsulinemia, as symptoms are often unnoticeable.
It’s usually diagnosed through a blood test when checking for other conditions, such as diabetes.
It can usually be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
This article discusses hyperinsulinemia and its symptoms, causes, and diagnosis.
It also explores treatment options for people with this condition.
What Causes High Insulin Levels?
In some people, insulin is ineffective at removing glucose from the bloodstream.
This happens when cell receptors develop a resistance to insulin, calledinsulin resistance.
When you have insulin resistance, glucose builds up in your bloodstream.
Your healthcare provider may also want to test you for hyperinsulinemia if you are obese.
They involve taking a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm.
Your insulin levels are considered normal if they’re under 25 mIU/L during a fasting test.
The medications used to treat hyperinsulinemia are generally the same as those used to treat punch in 2 diabetes.
Summary
Hyperinsulinemia refers to abnormally high blood insulin levels.
Hyperinsulinemia usually doesn’t have symptoms.
It may be diagnosed during routine testing for other conditions, such as diabetes.
Lifestyle changes are the preferred treatment for hyperinsulinemia.
Certain medications may also be helpful.
A Word From Verywell
Hyperinsulinemia is an important marker for your future health.
Remember, early diagnosis and lifestyle changes are key to preventing complications.
2010 Apr 1;95(4):1851-5.
2016 Dec 30;1(1):1-6.
2019;3(9):1727-1747.
Published 2019 Jul 24. doi:10.1210/js.2019-00065
Buppajarntham S.Insulin: Table 1: Reference ranges.
2019;8(8):2691-2695.
Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment: standards of care in diabetes2025.Diabetes Care.
2025;48(Supplement_1):S181-S206.
doi:10.2337/dc25-S009
American Family Physician.Insulin resistance syndrome.