What is Insulinoma?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Kandala Sindhuja Reddy , Endocrinologist

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Insulinoma is a rare type of tumor that forms in the pancreas. It comes from cells that make insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. When someone has an insulinoma, their body makes too much insulin, which causes their blood sugar to drop too low, a condition known as hypoglycemia.

This can lead to symptoms like feeling confused, weak, dizzy, and in serious cases, even fainting or losing consciousness. Most insulinomas are non-cancerous and treatable when diagnosed early.

What Causes an Insulinoma?

Doctors aren't exactly sure why insulinomas develop. These tumors usually appear without any warning signs and are not linked to lifestyle or diet. However, some inherited conditions may increase the risk.

For example, people with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or Von Hippel-Lindau disease have a higher chance of developing insulinomas.

These genetic conditions can cause tumors to form in different hormone-producing glands.

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Who is at Risk of Insulinoma?

Insulinomas are rare and affect only a small number of people. They are slightly more common in people assigned female at birth and usually appear between the ages of 40 and 60.

While most tumors are benign, about 10% may be cancerous, especially in people with inherited syndromes like MEN1.

Since the tumors can disrupt insulin production, they need to be diagnosed and treated early.

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How is an Insulinoma Diagnosed?

Insulinoma is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and imaging studies. Doctors often begin with a 72-hour fasting test to check for low blood sugar levels alongside high insulin levels. Doctors use a mix of blood tests and imaging scans to diagnose an insulinoma.

Blood Tests

The first step is checking blood sugar and insulin levels. If your blood sugar is very low while insulin is high, this can point to an insulinoma. Other blood markers may also be tested, such as hormone levels, insulin-blocking proteins, or medications that could trigger insulin release.

Sometimes, a fasting test is needed. You may be asked to stop eating and only drink water for up to 48 hours in a hospital setting. During this time, doctors monitor your blood sugar every few hours. People with insulinomas usually experience a sharp drop in blood sugar within the first two days.

Imaging Tests

Once a blood test suggests an insulinoma, the next step is locating the tumor. A CT scan or MRI is often used to find the size and position of the cancer in the pancreas. If these don't work, your doctor may suggest an endoscopic ultrasound.

In this procedure, a thin tube with an ultrasound device is gently passed through your digestive tract to capture clear images of your pancreas. A small sample (biopsy) may also be taken to check if the tumor is cancerous.

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How is Insulinoma Treated?

Surgery is the most effective treatment for insulinoma. If there's just one tumor, it can usually be removed with laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive method that requires only a few small cuts in the abdomen. The surgeon uses a tiny camera and special tools to remove the tumor safely.

If multiple tumors are present, part of the pancreas may also need to be removed. In rare cases, parts of nearby organs like the stomach or liver may be taken out too, especially if the tumor is cancerous.

Other Treatment Options

If the tumor can't be fully removed or has spread (in cancerous insulinomas), other treatments may include:

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When to See a Doctor

If you often feel dizzy, shaky, confused, or extremely tired, especially when you haven't eaten in a while, it's important to talk to a doctor. These symptoms may be signs of low blood sugar, which could be caused by an insulinoma.

If you faint, have seizures, or notice that your symptoms improve quickly after eating or drinking something sugary, don't ignore it. Always seek medical help if your low blood sugar symptoms are frequent, unexplained, or getting worse.

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What are the Complications Linked to Insulinoma?

Most insulinomas are non-cancerous, so serious complications are rare. However, if a tumor is cancerous and spreads to other parts of the body, it may be harder to treat completely. In such cases, additional therapies and long-term monitoring are necessary.

Some people who undergo surgery, especially if a large part of the pancreas is removed, may develop diabetes later. This happens rarely and is usually manageable with proper care.

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Can Insulinoma Be Prevented?

Currently, there's no known way to prevent insulinomas, especially since the cause is not fully understood. However, if you have a condition like MEN1 or Von Hippel-Lindau disease, regular health checkups can help catch tumors early.

To reduce the effects of low blood sugar and keep your pancreas healthy:

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Long-Term Outlook

The outlook for people with insulinoma is usually excellent. Most people make a full recovery after the tumor is removed. If the tumor comes back in the future, it can often be treated again. Recurrence is more common in people who have multiple tumors or a family history of endocrine disorders.

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Our Experience in Treating Insulinoma

At Medicover Hospitals, we offer expert care for rare conditions like insulinoma with a personalised approach. Our skilled team of endocrinologists, surgeons, and diagnostic specialists use the latest tools to detect and treat insulinomas safely and effectively.

Whether you're experiencing unexplained low blood sugar or have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we're here to guide you every step of the way from diagnosis to recovery.

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