Advances in the etiology and management of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with severe neuroglycopenia has been identified as a late complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in a small number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus after RYGB is probably related to increased secretion of the incretin hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and patients with post-RYGB hypoglycemia demonstrate prolonged elevations of GIP and GLP-1 compared to non-hypoglycemic post-RYGB patients. Nesidioblastosis has been identified in some patients with post-RYGB hypoglycemia and is likely due to the trophic effects of GIP and GLP-1 on pancreatic islets.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of hypoglycemia after RYGB should begin with strict dietary (low carbohydrate) alteration and may require a trial of diazoxide, octreotide, or calcium-channel antagonists, among other drugs. Surgical therapy should include consideration of a restrictive form of bariatric procedure, with or without reconstitution of gastrointestinal continuity. Partial or total pancreatic resection should be avoided.