I am Ben

This is my Story:

When my parents brought me home from the hospital as a newborn, my sister and grandmother were waiting for us to celebrate our homecoming. Everyone in the family was excited, but my parents couldn’t help worrying about the fact that, even for a newborn, I seemed unusually sleepy and lethargic.

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I have Congenital hyperinsulinism.

Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) occurs as a result of over-production of insulin in the pancreas, causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Brain damage can occur if the condition is not recognized or if treatment is ineffective in preventing hypoglycemia. Stroke-like symptoms, cerebral palsy and blindness may also be caused by hypoglycemia.

This condition is the most frequent cause of severe low blood sugar in newborn babies and children.
A number of causes of hyperinsulinism exist. Some forms will resolve and are considered transient. Others result from genetic defects and persist throughout life.
Five genes are known to be associated with this condition but researchers are still learning about the genetic causes of HI.
The risk for permanent learning disabilities is difficult to predict and depends on the frequency and duration of hypoglycemic episodes.
Treatment may involve IV glucose, medication, a special diet and, in some cases, surgery.

Read a longer story about Ben, written by his mother >