hyperinsulinism /-in″səliniz′əm/ [Gk, hyper + L, insula, island] , an excessive amount of insulin in the body. It may be caused by administration of an insulin dose greater than required or the presence of an insulin-secreting tumor in the islets of Langerhans or insulin reference. If there is hypoglycemia, symptoms include hunger, shakiness, and diaphoresis. See also insulin shock.
