Condition4 connections · 1 source

Insulinoma

Insulinoma is a tumor of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. It secretes excess insulin, causing dangerous hypoglycemia.

Key Facts

Rare; more common in dogs than cats
Produces excess insulin, driving blood sugar dangerously low
Signs: weakness, collapse, seizures, disorientation (all from low blood sugar)
Diagnosis: low blood glucose with inappropriately high insulin level
Treatment: surgery to remove tumor; medical management with frequent small meals
Prednisone and diazoxide used to raise blood sugar when surgery not possible
Species: dogs and cats

Both involve pancreatic dysfunction but in opposite directions

Primary clinical consequence of insulinoma

Hypoglycemia from insulinoma can trigger seizures

Paired glucose-insulin measurement is diagnostic