An American woman discovered she had a rare pancreatic tumor known as an insulinoma after experiencing months of recurrent low blood sugar and severe neurological symptoms, according to an investigative report by the Washington Post.
- Insulinoma: A rare neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas that secretes excess insulin independently of blood glucose levels.
- Endogenous Hyperinsulinism: A metabolic state where the body produces too much insulin on its own, driving glucose out of the bloodstream and causing severe hypoglycemia.
- Surgical Resection: The definitive treatment involving the physical removal of the tumor-bearing portion of the pancreatic tissue.
Initial laboratory work showed normal levels of iron and vitamin D, but a continuous glucose monitor documented frequent drops in her blood sugar despite no history of diabetes. In March 2025, she woke up sweating profusely, confused, and struggling to speak or control her arms.
A head computed tomography scan revealed no abnormalities, and an emergency physician attributed the episode to an acute stress response. A neurologist later suggested that the confusion episodes correlated with her hypoglycemic events.
Her condition deteriorated further in November 2025, prompting paramedics to administer intravenous glucose before transferring her to a hospital. Blood tests revealed that her insulin levels remained inappropriately elevated despite her plummeting blood glucose. Endocrinology specialist Cheryl Fassler reviewed those findings and suspected a hormone-secreting tumor.
The insulinoma continues releasing insulin even when circulating blood sugar drops to dangerous levels, which can trigger severe confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Although earlier imaging had failed to clearly localize the lesion, a magnetic resonance imaging scan performed in December identified its exact position within the pancreas.
In February 2026, surgeon Kamran Idris resected approximately half of the pancreas, including the benign tumor. The procedure normalized her blood glucose levels and resolved her symptoms, allowing her to lose about nine kilograms over the subsequent two months. Postoperative complications included pancreatic fluid leakage and infection, which required the placement of drain tubes and stents.
Endocrinologist Christopher Bowman said that the physiological stress of recurrent hypoglycemia likely contributed to her hair loss, while the excess insulin secretion likely drove her menstrual irregularities and cramping. For Morris, the persistent low blood glucose reading provided the critical diagnostic clue that prompted physicians to measure her insulin precisely when production should have been suppressed.
| Clinical Phase / Event | Timeline | Key Findings & Interventions |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Symptoms & Monitoring | Prior to March 2025 | Muscle stiffness, joint pain, hair loss, and documented hypoglycemia via continuous glucose monitor. |
| Acute Neurological Episode | March 2025 | Sweating, confusion, and dysphasia; initially attributed to acute stress before being linked to blood sugar drops. |
| Hospitalization & Endocrinology Assessment | November – December 2025 | IV glucose administered; elevated insulin-to-glucose ratio identified; MRI successfully locates the pancreatic lesion. |
| Surgical Resection & Recovery | February 2026 | Surgeon Kamran Idris removes half the pancreas; normalization of glucose, management of fluid leakage and infection complications. |
Diagnostic workups for endogenous hyperinsulinism involve simultaneous measurements of plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin during a hypoglycemic episode. Definitive surgical management carries specific risks, including postoperative pancreatic fistula, hemorrhage, and exocrine or endocrine insufficiency, which must be carefully weighed by an experienced surgical team.
- Endocrine Society.
- The Washington Post.
