science

‘Hypoglycemia in Children with Hyperinsulinism’ Article Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation April 13, 2022 ‘Hypoglycemia in Children with Hyperinsulinism’ Article The article discusses the findings of a hyperinsulinism research. According to it, hypoglycemia in children with hyperinsulinism (HI) can now be treated. It points out that congenital HI is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infants and children (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2022). It provides fundamental medical knowledge regarding the condition hence making it possible for people to understand it in a multi-dimensional way. Hyperinsulinism (HI) is a disease characterized by inappropriate secretion of insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by a specialized type of cells in the pancreas called the beta cells. An adequate supply of sugar to the brain is essential for brain function and development, particularly in infants and children. Therefore children with HI can suffer permanent brain damage and developmental delay if the diagnosis and treatment do not occur early enough in the child's life. As pointed out by the article, patients with this form of the disease become hypoglycemic when fasting and also after a protein-rich meal. This is due to the glutamine in the protein stimulating the amplification of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor signaling on the beta-cell (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2022). Proper care should be taken during management. This article is newsworthy in highlighting major aspects concerning hyperinsulinism. This is a disease which has not been understood by various people. The article serves to enlighten people about the disease hence knowing how to address and manage it. Various issues have been highlighted making it resourceful for both health workers and the general population. I liked how the article highlighted that in children with an established diagnosis of HI, additional genetic testing to identify the mutated gene as well as additional imaging tests are required. This is something that has previously not been put into broader perspective. Link to the article: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-04-treatment-hypoglycemia-children-hyperinsulinism.html References Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (2022, April 13).). New treatment prevents hypoglycemia in children with hyperinsulinism. Medical Xpress - medical research advances and health news. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-04-treatment-hypoglycemia-children-hyperinsulinism.html