Glycemic control in patients with insulinoma

Abstract

Insulinoma is the most common neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. Surgical management of insulinomas is considered to be the only curative method. However, effective glycemic control preoperatively and in unresectable insulinomas remains a significant issue. Hyperinsulinism, occurring as a result of the hormone-secreting tumor, leads to life-threatening hypoglycemia episodes which require urgent medical treatment. This article discusses current management of hypoglycemia in insulinoma patients, including: education and lifestyle modifications, phar-macotherapy (diazoxide, somatostatin analogs, mTOR inhibitor – everolimus), cytoreductive methods and continuous glucose monitoring systems.