Adrenal Insufficiency as a Contributor to Severe Hypoglycemia in Late Dumping Syndrome: A Case Series

Cureus. 2024 Dec 6;16(12):e75195. doi: 10.7759/cureus.75195. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Severe hypoglycemia (SH) is a significant risk, particularly in the elderly, and adrenal insufficiency (AI) may be a contributing factor. This study examines six cases of late dumping syndrome (LDS)-induced reactive hypoglycemia (RH), with AI as a potential trigger. Three of the six patients were diagnosed with AI, and one experienced a hypoglycemic coma. A significant correlation between blood glucose and insulin levels was found in the AI group. These findings suggest the potential role of AI in the development of SH in LDS patients after gastrectomy. Further research is needed for confirmation.

Keywords: adrenal insufficiency; late dumping syndrome; reactive hypoglycemia; severe hypoglycemia; the elderly.