What can excess insulin lead to?

Excess insulin in the bloodstream primarily leads to extremely low blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia. Insulin's role in the body is to help regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into the cells for energy. When insulin levels are elevated beyond what is needed for glucose control, it can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.

Low blood sugar can result in various symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, sweating, shakiness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. This outcome occurs because the excess insulin clears glucose from the bloodstream too rapidly, outpacing the body's ability to produce or release glucose from its stored forms.

In contrast to other options, increased energy levels and improved metabolism are generally associated with balanced insulin levels and adequate glucose supply. Excess insulin is not conducive to these outcomes. Also, increased blood sugar is not a direct effect of excess insulin; rather, it typically results from insufficient insulin or insulin resistance. Therefore, understanding the relationship between insulin, glucose, and energy metabolism is crucial for recognizing how metabolic processes affect overall health.