Categories: Endocrinology

Why does Dumping Syndrome cause Hypoglycemia?

The stomach acts as a reservoir for digestion. Food will be stored and broken down in it via acid and proteases. The resulting chyme is released in a controlled manner into the small intestines. Alteration of gastric anatomy (i.e gastric bypass or bypass of the pylorus) can have profound effects on GI motility.

Early dumping occurs immediately after eating (within 10-30 mins); it is characterized by vomiting, bloating, cramping, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, etc. The cause is thought to be due to neuroendocrine changes from a hyperosmolar load being “dumped” rapidly into the small bowel.

Late dumping typically happens 1–3 hours after a meal and is characterized by hypoglycemia, weakness, sweating, and dizziness.

WHY HYPOGLYCEMIA?

The rapid movement of food into the small intestine leads to a marked increase of carbohydrates into the small bowel.

  • This causes rapid absorption of glucose into the blood stream
  • A reactive release of insulin (hyperinsulinemic response) transpires (GLP-1 mediated) resulting in subsequent reactive hypoglycemia

REFERENCES

  1. Ukleja, A. Dumping Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Treatment.  Nutrition in Clinical Practice Vol 20, Issue 5, Oct 2005 pp. 517 – 525.
  2.  Chapter 18: Disorders of Gastric & Small Bowel Motility. Walter W. Chan; Robert Burakoff. CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Endoscopy, 3e.

 

Get Medical Pearls directly to your inbox every week!
Weekly posts with high yield medical knowledge, directly to your mailbox!
Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

Share
Published by
Dr. C Humphreys

Recent Posts

Nocturia and OSA: Mechanism

Nocturia is a common symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea. [1] Img Cred: Am J…

6 months ago

ASD vs. VSD Murmur Difference

ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Wide, Fixed split S2 (in contrast to the normal variation in…

6 months ago

Mechanism of a Mixed Apnea

Mixed apneas are characterized by absent respiratory effort and airflow in the first section of…

1 year ago

How Does Hypothyroidism Cause Hypoventilation?

Although rare, the differential diagnosis of hypoventilation and hypercapnia respiratory failure includes hypothyroidism. It is…

1 year ago

Why is Pro-BNP/ BNP lower in Obesity?

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone created in response to cardiac wall stretch due…

2 years ago

What is Peribronchovascular Distribution on CT imaging?

A common finding described on computed tomography (CT) imaging. A disease with a peribronchovascular distribution…

3 years ago

This website uses cookies.