The Use of Gastrostomy Tube for the Long-Term Remission of Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia After Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass: A Case Report

CM Craig, C Lamendola, Jens Juul Holst, Carolyn F. Deacon, TL McLaughlin

Abstract

Objective: Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is an increasingly reported complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), for which there is currently no acceptable treatment. We present a case of the reversal of severe hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia through gastrostomy tube (GT) feeding to the remnant stomach and uniquely report the durable resolution of neuroglycopenic symptoms 3 years after GT placement. Methods: The case subject underwent standardized postprandial measurement of plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and glucagon concentrations after oral or GT administration of a standardized liquid meal. Results: Hypersecretion of insulin, GLP-1, and glucagon elicited by oral administration of the liquid meal were reversed with GT feeding. GIP was not secreted in excess of normal after the oral meal. Conclusion: This case of reversible hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia through GT feeding illustrates the physiology of this disorder, pointing to an exaggerated GLP-1 response due to rapid nutrient transit to the distal bowel. The sustained resolution of the case subject's neuroglycopenic symptoms supports the use of GT as an effective and durable treatment for severe refractory hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after RYGB.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAACE Clinical Case Reports
Volume1
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)e84-e87
Number of pages4
ISSN2376-0605
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2015

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