Compensatory hyperinsulinemia

Hyperinsulinemia means the amount of insulin in the blood is higher than what's considered normal. Hyperinsulinemia (and also dyslipidemia, and endothelial dysfunction) are characteristic findings in insulin-resistant individuals, and all of these abnormalities have been identified as increasing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. 

Compensatory hyperinsulinemia is the heightened response of the pancreas and liver to early insulin resistance. Elevated blood insulin compensates for insulin resistance in tissues, maintaining fasting glucose and lipids within clinical reference ranges.

Data from the Copenhagen m ale study indicated that only those smokers who have the characteristic dyslipidemia associated with insulin resistance/compensatory hyperinsulinemia were at greatly increased CVD risk (Arch Intern Med 2001;161:361–6).

Compensatory hyperinsulinemia helps maintain normal glucose levels—often for decades before overt diabetes develops. Eventually the β-cells of the pancreas are unable to overcome insulin resistance through hypersecretion. Glucose levels rise, and a diagnosis of diabetes can be made.
Compensatory hyperinsulinemia