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Insulinoma presenting as alcoholic stupor.
P Dandona1, V A Fonseca, D P Mikhailidis
1Department of Chemical Pathology and Human Metabolism, Royal Free Hospital, London.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be triggered by alcohol abuse and exercise in non-diabetics. A case study found a pancreatic insulinoma aggravated these symptoms, which resolved after surgical removal.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Case Study
Background:
- Spontaneous hypoglycemia can present with diverse triggers.
- Ethanol abuse and physical exertion are known to affect glucose metabolism.
Observation:
- A non-diabetic patient experienced prolonged loss of consciousness due to hypoglycemia.
- Symptoms were exacerbated by ethanol abuse and heavy manual work.
Findings:
- Further investigations identified a pancreatic insulinoma as the underlying cause.
- Surgical removal of the insulinoma resolved the hypoglycemic episodes.
Implications:
- This case highlights the role of insulinoma in spontaneous hypoglycemia.
- Alcohol and exercise can unmask or aggravate underlying glucose dysregulation.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing insulinoma.