Malignant insulinoma hypoglycaemia: complex palliative management

Lauri Simkiss1, Frances Hakkak2, Rajeev Raghavan3

  • 1Specialist Palliative Care Team, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton-on-Tees, UK lauri.simkiss@doctors.org.uk.

This case presentation describes a 65-year-old woman with metastatic malignant insulinoma who experienced frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia causing significant distress and burden to her quality of life. The report describes how medical management was altered and how the patient was supported in order to alleviate these burdens. In particular, the report highlights the first documented use of flash glucose monitoring in insulinoma, which was beneficial in reducing the discomfort of lancet use and anxiety associated with hypoglycaemic episodes. This case demonstrates the benefits of an individualised approach, collaboration with other specialisms and recommends further evaluation of the use of flash glucose monitoring in palliative care.

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