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Living with Hyperinsulinism due to UCP2 deficiency

A rare genetic condition with low blood sugar from extra insulin from the newborn period, often getting better on its own.

Understanding Hyperinsulinism due to UCP2 deficiency

Hyperinsulinism due to UCP2 deficiency is a rare condition with low blood sugar episodes that start in the newborn period.

It responds well to the medicine diazoxide. It is probably temporary and may go away on its own. It starts in newborns and infants.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Large birth weight
  • Agitation
  • Drowsiness
  • Fast heart rate and palpitations
  • Pale skin and episodes of sweating
  • Neurodevelopmental differences

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and hormone specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in UCP2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Congenital Hyperinsulinism International
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How is low blood sugar managed with diazoxide?
Is it likely to go away on its own?
Should family members consider genetic testing for UCP2?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesUCP2

Changes in the UCP2 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can be enough to cause it.

GeneticEndocrineInherited Metabolic

Also known as: hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia due to ucp2 deficiency; hyperinsulinism due to ucp2 (uncoupling protein 2) deficiency; hyperinsulinism due to uncoupling protein 2 deficiency

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Hyperinsulinism due to UCP2 deficiencyGARD ID 21054 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Hyperinsulinism due to UCP2 deficiency.

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