Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hypermetabolic response to burns?

The hypermetabolic response to burns is characterized by several physiological changes aimed at facilitating healing and recovery. One of the hallmark features of this response is increased energy expenditure. This occurs as the body requires additional calories and nutrients to support the heightened metabolic demands caused by the stress of the injury. Consequently, this leads to elevated metabolic rates, which is why decreased metabolic rate is not a characteristic of this response.

In the context of the other options, overproduction of insulin can occur in an attempt to manage blood sugar levels during the increased energy demands. Glycogen stores are often depleted, and insulin will help to regulate glucose levels accordingly. Hypoglycemia may also arise due to an imbalance created by the increased insulin production and altered glucose metabolism, though it's not typical or a direct feature of the hypermetabolic state. Therefore, it is the decreased metabolic rate that stands out as not being aligned with the expected characteristics of a hypermetabolic response to burns.