A very important effect of insulin resistance is the fact that the normal route for insulin to activate the PI-3 kinase and Akt-dependent signaling pathways is impaired, whereas hyperinsulinemia overactivates Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK)-pathways, thereby creating an imbalance between PI-3 kinase and MAP-kinase-dependent functions of insulin. The gene discussed is INS; the disease is hyperinsulinism.