Congenital Hyperinsulinism (HI)
HI is the most common cause of severe and recurrent blood sugar drops in babies and young children.
In congenital hyperinsulinism, hypoglycemia is caused by “defects” in the mechanism of insulin secretion.
We could say that in HI, insulin is “blind” to the level of blood glucose and continues to be released even though the body is running out of energy.
The excess of insulin also prevents the usage of other alternative sources of glucose in those affected by HI.
Therefore, congenital hyperinsulinism, in addition to being the most frequent cause of recurrent blood sugar drops, is also the most serious form.
The brain is the organ that consumes the most energy of all our organs. Consequently, it is also the one that suffers the most through lack of an energy supply.
As in all diseases that cause hypoglycemia, with HI it is essential to find an early diagnosis and give adequate treatment to prevent incidence of neurological damage among those affected by congenital hyperinsulinism.
Did you know that a baby with congenital hyperinsulinism needs 5 times more blood sugar than a normal child?
HI ASSOCIATIONS
If you are looking for more information on congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), we recommend that you contact associations and patient groups. These are the associations we know that work in supporting and helping treat HI around the world…
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HI groups
online
CONGENITAL HYPERINSULINISM INTERNATIONAL FAMILY SUPPORT FORUM
Facebook – English
HIPERINSULINISMO CONGÉNITO LATINOAMÉRICA FAMILY GROUP
Facebook – Spanish
CHILDREN’S HYPERINSULINISM UK FAMILY GROUP
Facebook – English
Facebook – English
Facebook – French
Facebook – Portuguese
CONGENITAL HYPERINSULINISM AUSTRALASIA GROUP
Facebook – English
DOGUSTAN HIPERINSULINEMI – CONGENITAL HYPERINSULINISM TURKEY GROUP
Facebook – Turkish
CONGENITAL HYPERINSULINISM INTERNATIONAL TEENS/YOUNG ADULT FORUM
Facebook – English
Did you know that continuous hypoglycemia can cause changes in brain structures?
HI Parents blogs
Loneliness and uncertainty are often two frequent feelings when facing a rare disease.
For that reason, we believe that it can help you to read the history of other families like yours.
Blog of a HI mom with information and useful tips on hypoglycemia, feeding and other related.
Languages: Spanish and English.
Blog of a HI family living with the disease, with information on technology and related medical news.
Language: English.
YOU NEVER KNOW HOW STRONG YOU ARE,
UNTIL BEING STRONG IS YOUR ONLY CHOICE.
Bob Marley
Chloe the Rabbit
has hyperinsulinism
Follow Chloe and find out what it is like to have Hyperinsulinism. Find out about what this means for her day to day; for example blood sugar testing and dealing with hypoglycaemia.
Also follow her as she goes to hospital for a controlled fasting test.
A fun rhyming story with bold and colourful pictures.
Perfect for any children who have Hyperinsulinism or their parents, siblings and peers.
Adventures on the Planet Sugar
At The Hippo House we are working on a collection of short stories about congenital hyperinsulinism (HI).
Thanks to the titles of Paula and the Giant Cake, The Secret of the Yellow Goblins and The Attack of the Itis, we will learn in an entertaining way: the mechanism of HI, basic concepts of nutrition and factors that influence optimal glycemic control.
HI Parents Books
CRISTINA PINDADO GONZÁLEZ
Language: Spanish
RAISSA HACOHEN
Language: English
ROBERT SMITH
Language: English
Thanks to new technologies we can get information faster to its destination.
At The Hippo House, we want to put our efforts on families to find each other as quickly as possible.
Feeling supported at the time of diagnosis is paramount. Facing alone the “grief of the healthy child” is very, very difficult.
For that reason, we hope we have helped you in this road that you are starting to walk along.
Brain damage from continued hypoglycemia can cause learning difficulties, seizure disorders, vision problems, etc.
Are we missing something?
We want The Hippo House to be a really useful site,
where families can find support.
For that reason, if you know some association, blog or group and it does not appear in our web,
We would be very grateful if you send us the information 🙂