Hypoglycemia and insulinoma?

Question

I had a 3 hour glucose tolerance test done because I have many of the symptoms of diabetes. The results, however, showed hypoglycemia. I had a fasting level of 74 but at one hour I had dropped to 47. At two hours it was 51 and at 3 it was 58. My PCP thought that since my blood sugar was still so low after 3 hours that I might have an insulinoma. He said that he really wasn't sure what to do so he referred me to an endocrinologist. What should I expect the endocrinologist to want to do? Also, when my blood sugar was at 47, I still did not feel as bad as I have on several occasions at work. (On one occasion, I basically felt like I was drunk and was having extreme difficulty functioning. My coworkers thought that I looked like I was about to pass out.) How low does one usually have to get to be at risk for serious complications such as loss of consciousness or seizure?

Answer 1

Just a little info. . .

Endocrinology is the study of glands and hormones of the body and their disorders. An endocrinologist is a doctor that specializes in the endocrine system which includes the glands like the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas (where the body produces insulin), ovaries, testies, adrenal, etc... These doctors diagnose and specifically treat the diseases that affect your glands. The reason your doctor has referred you to see this doctor is because there is obviously a problem with the way your body producing insulin, and this needs to be evaluated and treated by the appropriate type of doctor. Basically, your body needs glucose to function. Glucose is a form of sugar that is an important fuel for your body, and is the body's energy source.

If I were you, I would make the appointment immediately! It is very very very important, I cant stress this enough. . . Severe hypoglycemia can cause you to loose consciousness, and if you say that at a level at 47 you felt fine, im sure that it was lower at work when you were dizzy. And much lower that 47 just isnt safe. . .

Good luck, and make sure that you follow up with your primary care physician with the results from your specialist.

*****Note---When you are feeling dizzy or faint, the first thing that you need to do is have a big glass of orange juice!!! (try and keep some OJ at work, just in case) This will help bring your glucose level up, if something should happen.*********

Answer 2

Every endocrinologist I've ever been to has known ahead of time that I was a diabetic. But, they typically will do lots of bloodwork, and a workup similar to your PCP. They may also request that you log all of your food intake, including nutritional value and times. I know how you feel with those low bloodsugars, you feel shaky, sweaty, out of your mind and like you don't have control of your own body.

My MD has always told me that once you get below 40 you're at risk, but every person is different. A lot depends on what your average bloodsugar level is. You want to get those levels under control because the low bloodsugars can be MORE damaging than the high ones.

I know I'm not a medical professional, but I hope this helps!
Good luck!

Answer 3

the endocrinologist will likely do a scan of your pancreas and possibly your adrenal glands to see if you have an insulinoma. until then, make sure you eat small meals and make sure you have a good balance of fat and protein and not a carb overload in your diet to avoid so-called "crashes." symptoms develop at around 50 and serious symptoms such as the ones you mention begin around 30.

Answer 4

Good old Wikipedia has most of the info you have asked on this information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulinoma

Go see the endo right away!