Question 1

What is Insulinoma?

Accepted Answer

Insulinoma is a rare tumor of the pancreas that produces excessive amounts of insulin, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. It is caused by abnormal growth of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas that continuously secrete insulin regardless of blood glucose levels. The Insulin, Fasting test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects inappropriately high insulin levels during hypoglycemic episodes.

Question 2

What causes insulinoma?

Accepted Answer

Insulinoma is caused by abnormal growth of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas that form a tumor. These tumors continuously secrete excessive amounts of insulin, regardless of your blood sugar levels. Most insulinomas are benign (non-cancerous) and occur as single tumors, though in rare cases they can be part of a genetic condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).

Question 3

What is the best test for insulinoma?

Accepted Answer

The Insulin, Fasting test is the most important test for insulinoma because it measures insulin levels during fasting conditions when insulin should be low. Insulinomas produce excess insulin even when blood sugar drops, so finding inappropriately high fasting insulin alongside low blood glucose is a key diagnostic marker. The C-Peptide, Serum test is essential as a companion test because it confirms the insulin is coming from your pancreas rather than from injected insulin. The Proinsulin test provides additional confirmation, as insulinomas often release disproportionately high amounts of proinsulin compared to normal pancreatic cells.

Question 4

When should I get tested for insulinoma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience repeated episodes of low blood sugar symptoms that improve after eating, especially if they occur when fasting or before meals. Warning signs include shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, blurred vision, or fainting spells that happen in the morning or several hours after eating. You should also consider testing if you have unexplained weight gain from eating frequently to prevent low blood sugar symptoms, or if you have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).

Question 5

What are the symptoms of insulinoma?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of insulinoma are caused by low blood sugar and include shakiness, sweating, confusion, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and hunger. You might experience headaches, blurred vision, weakness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Severe episodes can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or passing out. These symptoms typically occur during fasting periods, in the morning before breakfast, or several hours after meals, and they quickly improve after eating or drinking something sugary.

Question 6

Who is at risk for insulinoma?

Accepted Answer

Insulinoma can affect anyone but most commonly occurs in adults between ages 40 and 60, with a slightly higher occurrence in women. People with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), a rare genetic condition, have a significantly increased risk of developing insulinomas along with other endocrine tumors. While most insulinomas occur randomly without any known risk factors, having a family history of MEN1 increases your risk. The condition is extremely rare, occurring in only about 1 to 4 people per million each year.

Question 7

What happens if insulinoma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated insulinoma can lead to increasingly frequent and severe episodes of dangerously low blood sugar. Repeated severe hypoglycemia can cause permanent brain damage, as your brain depends on glucose for energy and cannot function properly without it. You may experience seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, or life-threatening complications. Chronic low blood sugar can also lead to cognitive problems, personality changes, and difficulty with memory and concentration. The constant cycle of low blood sugar and compensatory eating often causes significant weight gain.

Question 8

Can insulinoma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, insulinoma is primarily diagnosed with blood tests that measure insulin and related hormones during episodes of low blood sugar. The key diagnostic approach involves checking your insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin levels when your blood sugar is low, typically during a supervised fasting test. The classic finding is inappropriately high insulin levels when blood glucose is below 55 mg/dL. While imaging tests like CT or MRI may be used to locate the tumor once diagnosed, blood tests are essential for confirming the diagnosis biochemically.

Question 9

How is insulinoma treated?

Accepted Answer

Surgical removal of the tumor is the primary and most effective treatment for insulinoma, with cure rates over 90% for benign tumors. Before surgery, your doctor may prescribe medications like diazoxide to help prevent low blood sugar episodes, and you will need to eat frequent small meals throughout the day. For tumors that cannot be surgically removed or in cases of malignant insulinoma, medications such as octreotide or everolimus can help control insulin secretion. Some patients may require chemotherapy if the tumor has spread or cannot be completely removed.

Question 10

How can I prevent insulinoma?

Accepted Answer

There is no known way to prevent insulinoma because most cases occur randomly without identifiable causes or modifiable risk factors. If you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or a family history of this genetic condition, regular screening and monitoring by an endocrinologist can help detect insulinomas early. Genetic counseling may be beneficial for families with MEN1 to understand the risks and consider testing for at-risk family members. Early detection and treatment are the best approaches since prevention is not possible.

Question 11

What can I do at home for insulinoma symptoms?

Accepted Answer

If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, immediately consume 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates such as fruit juice, glucose tablets, or regular soda. Eat frequent small meals every 2-3 hours throughout the day to help prevent blood sugar drops, focusing on complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Keep quick sources of sugar with you at all times and avoid prolonged periods without eating or skipping meals. While these measures can help manage symptoms temporarily, they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment, as insulinomas require proper medical intervention.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Insulinoma Blood Test

What is Insulinoma?

What causes insulinoma?

What is the best test for insulinoma?

When should I get tested for insulinoma?

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