Nesidioblastosis in an Adult with Short Gut Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Objective: Adult nesidioblastosis is characterized by endogenous hyperinsulinemia typically causing post-prandial hypoglycemia, and most commonly occurs post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Methods: We report a unique case of nesidioblastosis occurring in a 67-year-old female. Results: A 5-year history of symptomatic hypoglycemia occurred in a patient with short bowel syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) managed previously with a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist, which achieved significant weight loss. Continuous glucose monitoring captured 42 hypoglycemia episodes in a 2-week period, and following an oral glucose tolerance test there was the suggestion of a hyperinsulinemia state. She was managed with an open distal pancreatectomy, and subsequently required medical therapy to maintain euglycemia. Conclusion: We present the first case of nesidioblastosis occurring in a patient with short bowel syndrome, pre-existing T2DM managed with a GLP-1 agonist which achieved significant weight loss, all of which we speculate could have predisposed to hypoglycemia and development of nesidioblastosis.