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Insulinoma Causes and Risks:
Insulinomas secrete excessive amounts of insulin. This causes hypoglycemia ( low blood sugar ). The symptoms of hypoglycemia associated with this condition may be very severe to the extent of producing coma . There may be multiple tumors. Risk factors are a prior history of multiple endocrine neoplasia Type I ( MEN I ). The incidence is 1 out of 100,000 people.
Prevention:
There is no known way to prevent the development of an insulinoma
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
Surgery is the preferred treatment for insulinoma. The tumor is localized with diagnostic testing or exploration. At least 15% of the pancreas is left to avoid malabsorption due to lack of pancreatic enzymes.
If the tumor is not found during surgery, diazoxide may be given. A diuretic is always given with this medication to avoid retaining too much salt. Medical treatment is also used to stabilize the person prior to surgery.
Prognosis:
Death may result from a severe hypoglycemic reaction or system-wide spreading ( metastasis ) in a malignant tumors.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of insulinoma develop. Convulsions and decreased consciousness are emergency symptoms.
The endocrine system is the chemical control center of the body. The pituitary gland is often considered the master control; sending out hormones that regulate the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testis. Over- or under-production of hormones from any of these glands is associated with many different types of disease.
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