Insulinoma natural history

Natural History
Hypoglycemia was first recognized in the 19th century. In the 1920’s, after the discovery of insulin and its use in the treatment of diabetics, hyperinsulinism was suspected to be a cause of hypoglycemia in non-diabetics. The first report of a surgical cure of hypoglycemia by removing an islet cell tumour was in 1929.

Complications
Possible complications include:
 * Severe hypoglycemic reaction
 * Spreading of a cancerous tumor (metastasis)

Prognosis
Most patients with benign insulinomas can be cured with surgery. Persistent or recurrent hypoglycemia after surgery tends to occur in patients with multiple tumors. About two percent of patients develop diabetes mellitus after their surgery.